The number of positive tests for H1N1 flu virus on campus has increased to 67, according to Memorial Health Center educator, Megan Knapp.
This year, the new H1N1 strain of influenza, formerly referred to as “swine flu,” has posed many challenges to universities because of population density, and the ability for germs to spread quickly. Within the last few weeks, SMU is beginning to feel the effects.
To help prevent this spread of germs and other illnesses, SMU’s Web site advises students to wash their hands with soap and water and use hand sanitizer frequently, cover their mouths with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing and regularly clean work surfaces and touch points at home or in the dorm.
In order to avoid a widespread outbreak of H1N1 on campus, SMU has increased the frequency of sanitation procedures. Furthermore, as advised by the Dallas County Health and Human Services, the health center is treating all flu-like symptoms and cases of flu as if they were the H1N1 influenza.
According to the SMU flu Web site, smu.edu/flu, shots for the Novel H1N1 flu are expected to be available later in the year. Although these vaccines do not protect against the H1N1 strain, students and faculty are advised to get their seasonal flu shots as soon as possible. These seasonal shots will be offered on campus beginning in late September.
If students do have a fever or experience other flu-like symptoms, they are advised to stay home until 24 hours after the absence of any fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, as stated in an e-mail sent from President Turner.
Additionally, Turner encourages those students from the Dallas area to return to their family’s home until the illness passes.
“It is still spreading,” Knapp said, “but hopefully students will wash their hands and continue other risk reduction strategies.”
Due to the quantity of patients, the health center has started over-the-phone help to ascertain the condition of the patient. If the student can wait to see a doctor, they are advised to do so at a later date to contain the spread of the illness.
There is no word either way yet as to whether the university would consider cancelling class in the event of a wide spread outbreak.
To keep track of the spread of influenza at SMU, Turner asks everyone in the “SMU community who is affected by the flu to report their status via the Flu Absence Reporting Form” found on the SMU flu Web site. Any further updates on flu information will be posted at smu.edu/flu.
