Swine flu expected to infect URI students, Health Services offers tips to stay healthy
Betsy Cohen
Issue date: 9/10/09 Section: News
9/10/09 - The expected number of swine flu-related deaths has been determined to be significantly higher than that of seasonal flu according to a recent publication by President Obama's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
Due to the severity of the threat of swine flu, colleges across the United States, including the University of Rhode Island, are monitoring the health of their students and faculty more so than in previous years
Swine flu - also known as H1N1 - is expected to reappear throughout the country this year, likely hitting large populations the hardest.
Its effects are estimated to be far-reaching. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 30 to 50 percent of the general population is likely to contract the H1N1 virus by the end of 2009.
"Any flu can be deadly," Director of Health Services, Chad Henderson said. "The H1N1 flu differs from seasonal flu in that it is attacking young people at a greater rate than the elderly," Henderson said.
Some students, however, remain unaware of the danger of the H1N1 virus.
"It doesn't seem as serious as seasonal flu because you turn on the news and according to statistics, swine flu has killed much less people than the seasonal flu," freshman Rachael Starr said. "Even I didn't know how serious it is."
The university has posted flyers across campus, reminding students to wash their hands to prevent the spread of diseases. In addition, hand sanitizer have been placed dispensers in the entrances of buildings and beside elevators.
According to Henderson the virus can survive on surfaces for up to three hours. He suggests students wipe down any shared phones, keyboards or doorknobs with alcohol-based wipes or sanitizing spray.
"It's just unsanitary to shake people's hands," freshman Patrick Mullen said. "I cover my mouth when I sneeze. I use hand sanitizer and I constantly am washing my hands but sometimes I do feel a little unsafe"
Due to the severity of the threat of swine flu, colleges across the United States, including the University of Rhode Island, are monitoring the health of their students and faculty more so than in previous years
Swine flu - also known as H1N1 - is expected to reappear throughout the country this year, likely hitting large populations the hardest.
Its effects are estimated to be far-reaching. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 30 to 50 percent of the general population is likely to contract the H1N1 virus by the end of 2009.
"Any flu can be deadly," Director of Health Services, Chad Henderson said. "The H1N1 flu differs from seasonal flu in that it is attacking young people at a greater rate than the elderly," Henderson said.
Some students, however, remain unaware of the danger of the H1N1 virus.
"It doesn't seem as serious as seasonal flu because you turn on the news and according to statistics, swine flu has killed much less people than the seasonal flu," freshman Rachael Starr said. "Even I didn't know how serious it is."
The university has posted flyers across campus, reminding students to wash their hands to prevent the spread of diseases. In addition, hand sanitizer have been placed dispensers in the entrances of buildings and beside elevators.
According to Henderson the virus can survive on surfaces for up to three hours. He suggests students wipe down any shared phones, keyboards or doorknobs with alcohol-based wipes or sanitizing spray.
"It's just unsanitary to shake people's hands," freshman Patrick Mullen said. "I cover my mouth when I sneeze. I use hand sanitizer and I constantly am washing my hands but sometimes I do feel a little unsafe"
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