Flu strikes campus early

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An outbreak of flu-like illness occurred on UNCW's campus. UNCW's Student Health Center (SHC) is reporting that they have treated hundreds of students with flu-like symptoms.

The cases are unconfirmed for H1N1 (Swine Flu), as students have not been tested for H1N1. UNCW's Student Health Center is not testing students, only treating students who have influenza-like symptoms. No testing occurs unless someone is hospitalized. Only the state can test for H1N1. The recommendation is that anyone who has an influenza-like illness is treated as if they had H1N1, said Katrin Wesner, Director of the Student Health Center.

August 24 and 25 were the busiest days the SHC has seen in a while. Since then, the SHC has seen a decrease in the number of students with flu-like symptoms. They have yet to see a case of the seasonal flu on campus, with all flu-like symptoms being treated as though it was H1N1.

"The flu that we are seeing is mild. We expect it to last three to five days on average," said Wesner.

Symptoms of H1N1 are the same as the seasonal flu and include: fever (usually over 100? F), headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills, diarrhea and vomiting. If a student has symptoms but no underlying condition, the SHC wants them to call the center or their health care provider first before going to be seen. This is to help prevent the spread of H1N1.

Wesner said one way to help prevent the spread of H1N1 is by having students stay home.

"We don't know where this is going. That is why prevention is so key," Wesner stated.

Parents have called the SHC concerned about their children. Students and parents alike are encouraged not to panic, as this is only a mild flu. Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo has written a letter for the parents of students which can be found on UNCW's home page.

"I believe the letter answers most of their concerns and is an easy way for them to get the information," Chancellor DePaolo said.

It is important to remember that those who had the flu last week are no longer sick and are back in school, said Wesner. For this reason, as well as not testing those with symptoms, the SHC is unable to give a definite number of cases they have treated. Also, some students have gone to their doctors and the ER instead of the SHC. The best thing to do to prevent getting H1N1 is to wash hands, cover coughs, stay away from people who are sick and take care of yourself, such as getting plenty of fluids, sleep and eating well.

Those who have underlying health conditions (such as asthma and diabetes) and have flu-like symptoms do need to see a doctor because, like any flu, it could be more serious.

People under 24 years old, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions are at a greater risk for H1N1. Those with underlying health conditions are more likely to get it because their resistance is not as strong.

"The majority of our students are in the high-risk area," Wesner said.

The SHC, when treating H1N1, is giving students medication to treat their symptoms. Students are also given cotton masks to wear in public places as to prevent the spread of H1N1.

"The idea is to keep the germs to yourself and not to share with others," Wesner said, regarding the masks.

Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, is being used to shorten the length of the disease. It does not prevent H1N1. It is recommended for people who have underlying conditions or serious cases of H1N1. The medicine is not being handed out to students who have mild cases of H1N1 because, if it is overused, it could leave a drug resistant strain. If a person was to build up a resistance to Tamiflu and someone was to "catch" H1N1 from them, then the person who got the flu from the Tamiflu patient could possibly have gotten the drug resistant strain as well.

Most students have been exposed to someone with H1N1 and come into the SHC with viral infections. Some have fevers while some don't, said Mary Dandridge, the lead nurse at the SHC.

The main question that students have is what to do to feel better.

"They were concerned from what they hear on campus," Dandridge said.

When students come to the SHC for flu-like symptoms they are given handouts about H1N1. One is a UNCW fact sheet and the other one is CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines. Two weeks ago, Chancellor DePaolo sent out a letter to faculty, staff and students regarding H1N1. In the letter, DePaolo states that UNCW is monitoring the H1N1 flu. If a student is treated with H1N1, they are issued a letter by the Student Health Center stating that they should avoid contact with others while contagious, and they should not attend class until they are fever-free with no medication for 24 hours.

Students are also advised, in the letter, to e-mail their professors saying they have flu-like symptoms and that they will not be able to attend class. Chancellor DePaolo also encourages faculty and staff who experience flu-like symptoms to advise their supervisors and utilize leave just as they would for any other illness.

"Numerous measures are being taken on campus, and will continue to be taken, to prevent the spread of the influenza-like illness (ILI) to students, faculty and staff, and to provide information and appropriate care to those who are ill," said Media Relations Manager Dana Fischetti.