 "Photo: Gail Hernandez")
Although the school year is barely underway, the effects of the flu season are already being felt across campus. With the added threat of the H1N1 virus, Aggies prepare to tackle the flu more aggressively this fall.
It's that time of year again. And no, I'm not talking football season. The incessant coughing, sneezing and rubbing of the nose by practically every Aggie in sight can only mean one thing: flu season is underway. Due in part to students and faculty returning to campus with germs picked up during summer travels, the flu has already begun to run its course before the first autumn wind has even blown through. And with the added threat of H1N1 influenza this season, it is more important than ever for Aggies to protect themselves from the flu.
The H1N1 influenza virus, which was first detected in people in the United States in April of this year, is contagious and spreads from person to person in the same fashion that seasonal influenza viruses spread. Often referred to as "swine flu" because the genes in the virus are very similar to those in influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs, the H1N1 virus has infected 120,653 Americans and taken the lives of 2,467 as of Sept. 6, according to the World Health Organization. While the disease ranges in severity, most of the people who have become sick have recovered without needing any medical treatment.
The H1N1 virus is of much concern to health officials this season. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says when compared to previous flu seasons, the 2009 H1N1 flu has caused a greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than people 65 and older this year. The shift in demographics of those who are more vulnerable to the virus requires students on campus to be more diligent than before in recognizing flu-like symptoms early on.
SHS advises individuals who believe they have contracted the flu to rest and drink plenty of fluids. But more importantly, the health center asks that people experiencing flu-like symptoms stay home and away from those who are not infected and do not attend class or work for at least 24 hours after a fever and without taking fever-reducing medications. Individuals whose permanent home is close to College Station may want to consider returning home during their recovery.
Students with flu-like symptoms should take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and body aches and use over the counter cold or flu remedies for symptom relief. Additionally, individuals should check the labels to ensure they are not duplicating medications.
Since the virus is spread from person to person, it is also important to practice good health habits.
"Take everyday actions to stay healthy," said Theresa Manthei, a health educator at Brazos County Health Department. "Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze with the inside of your elbow instead of your hands."
"Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective. Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them."
While the threat of contracting the H1N1 virus is present this fall, most Aggies are taking the flu season in stride.
"I'm not too worried about catching the flu this season," said senior English major Ja'Niece Leslie. "My roommates and I all carry hand sanitizer with us and we drink lots of fluids as well."
Texas A&M's efforts to fight the flu - such as making the seasonal flu vaccination available through SHS - have lessened the anxiety over flu for some students.
"I think A&M is doing better than most colleges around the country in terms of flu prevention," said senior English major Monica Sales.
Sales said she believed the decision by Texas A&M officials to plant hand sanitizer base stations across campus will help in preventing the spread of germs on campus.
"For students who don't carry the product [hand sanitizer] around with them, the stations are a nice and convenient alternative," she said.
SHS expects the H1N1 vaccine to be available in mid to late October. SHS is working with the state and local health departments to facilitate distribution of the vaccine to appropriate students. For more information on the seasonal flu vaccine, contact SHS at (979) 458-8250.
The Department of Student Health Services at Texas A&M warns that individuals experiencing a sudden high fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may be experiencing symptoms associated with having the H1N1 influenza.
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