Since first being detected in April 2009, H1N1 (referred to as the “swine flu” early on) has spread throughout the United States. Recently, H1N1 has made its way to Orange City.
The Center for Disease Control estimates that “more than one million people became ill with novel H1N1 flu between April and June 2009 in the United States.”
“We have not had any confirmed cases on campus yet,” said Northwestern’s nurse practitioner, Michelle Van Wyhe, MS, ARNP-BC. “The cases in town which have been confirmed have been described as mild.” She also said that if a case is confirmed on campus, all students will be notified.
To prevent the spread of H1N1, Van Wyhe suggests that students follow these guidelines:
Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; germs are spread this way.
Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. Look for possible signs of fever: warm skin, a flushed appearance, sweating or shivering. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headaches, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.
Contact your RA/RD if you experience flu symptoms.
