Preparations made for Swine Flu
Franklin College health services coordinator Terri Nigh knows about the H1N1 flu’s potetional to easlily spread during the upcoming flu season.
"This is a novel flu, which means it’s a flu that has never been through the human system before, which is why so many people are catching it," she said.
Nigh said the H1N1 virus is airborne, meaning it can be caught the same way a regular flu virus can. The symptoms are also the same, such as fever, cough, body aches and lethargy (lack of energy). Sometimes nausea, vomiting or diarrhea is also associated with the flu, but those are rare.
Nigh assures that no one can tell whether they have a regular flu or H1N1 without being tested.
"Students should have their insurance information with them here on campus in case they need to seek medical care off campus," said Nigh.
The epidemic formerly known as Swine Flu started last spring in Mexico. H1N1 cannot be transferred from pig to human, but it can be transferred from human to pig.
The Centers for Disease Control have developed a two-dose vaccine and hope to have it available nationally by October of this year. It is unknown at this time whether people ages 19-24 will be able to receive this vaccine right away.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices issued a list of groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 vaccine in order of who they think needs it the soonest. Pregnant women are the first group on the list, followed by caregivers for children, healthcare personnel, people from 6-24 years of age, and, lastly, people ages 25-64.
Franklin College offers seasonal flu vaccines every year. Nigh promised that when the H1N1 vaccination is available for college students, Franklin College will offer it as well.
"We will also be distributing individual thermometers to each residential student later this week," said Nigh, "This should aid in the recommendation for students to either go home or remain in their residences here on campus until they are at least 24 hours fever free without the aid of fever reducing medication."
This epidemic has spread and is continuing to spread all over the nation. Health officals have advised that handwashing, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding contact with eyes, nose, or mouth will help prevent this virus.
