Campus Response to Swine Flu Fears

Photo Illustration by Courtney Erland.

By Broadside News Editor Kevin Loker

­Student Health Services is echoing Virginia government’s approach as far on how to respond to the swine flu: follow the same precautions as one would for the seasonal flu, and keep an eye on the news.

According to Executive Director of Student Health Services Dr. Wagida Abdalla, only “few students” with upper-respiratory symptoms had expressed concern. The students were “checked and assured,” as well as given instructions on how to protect themselves from getting the flu.

Mexico’s recent outbreak of swine flu, which the World Health Organization as of April 30 has referred to as Influenza A(H1N1), has raised concerns worldwide that disease could be emerging as an epidemic. As of May 2, the disease was believed to have killed 159 people and sickened about 2,500, according to The New York Times. The Center for Disease Control had confirmed 160 cases in the U.S. by laboratory tests, including two cases in Virginia. Neither case involved a student.

State Health Commissioner Karen Remley did, however, announce two probable cases of A(H1N1) involving two Washington and Lee University students last Friday. Remley said neither student had traveled outside the United States, but both had recently visited other states. Both were recovering well from mild illnesses, she said.
According to The Washington Post, Remley said the appearance of two probable cases on the same campus “increases the possibility” that transmission can and “has occurred locally.”

Student Health Services, along with other university officials, are taking action to reduce risk of transmission at George Mason University.

“If a student comes in and has a fever [or] cold symptoms, we give them a mask,” said Abdalla, “and if everything is okay, we take the mask off.”

Face masks, which are available in Student Health Services and are being utilized by both staff and patients as a precautionary measure, are one of many steps being taken by the university to prevent spread of the flu. Last Monday, fliers instructing students to “Cover Your Cough” and covering other hygienic tips for preventing disease were placed in restrooms across campus. Early this weekend, hand-sanitizers were distributed to each cash register, along with signs asking customers to wash their hands frequently.

Should a probable case occur at Mason, Abdalla says Student Health Services has a “campus-wide pandemic plan to be activated as needed depending on the situation.” Decisions will be made in collaboration with the local health department, and the Mason Alert system will be used to notify students.

“[The best advice right now is to] follow normal personal hygiene—like always—and wash hands, wash hands, wash hands,” said Abdalla.

Abdalla suggests staying home if one feels mild flu symptoms. If symptoms seem severe and one has any difficulty breathing, Abdalla says to call a doctor.

Students who seek medical advice after hours and wish to speak to a professional about the flu or any other health concern may call the Intellicare Nurse at (703) 993-2831.