University prepares students, employees to stay ahead of the flu
Washing your hands can be one of the most effective measures in preventing the spread of flu.
09/02/2009
Kansas health officials have informed PSU that a student experiencing flu-like symptoms who was seen in the Student Health Center on Aug. 26 and subsequently returned to his hometown to recover, was confirmed to have had the H1N1 virus. This is the first and only confirmed case of the new strain among the student population at PSU, but public health officials advise that any person with flu-like symptoms should be considered likely to be infected with the new virus.
For information visit the Student Health Center Web site
Pittsburg State University is giving students who are experiencing flu-like symptoms some advice that may sound strangely familiar. When Mom said "eat some soup, take something for the fever, drink lots of fluids and go to bed," she was right!
Because universities serve populations most susceptible to the H1N1 strain of the virus, PSU officials have put into place a plan that is designed to deal with potentially significant numbers of ill persons and also to attempt to limit the spread of the disease.
"Fortunately, most of the cases we've seen nationally have been relatively mild," said Dr. Don Holsinger, medical director in PSU's Student Health Services. "The bad news is that there isn't much immunity to this virus in the population."
The onset tends to be quick and the patient often has a temperature of 101 to 103, perhaps a sore throat and coughing. Some patients may have vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms generally last about three to seven days, although improvement may begin in as little as two days.
For otherwise healthy persons, Holsinger said, their best course of action when they begin showing flu-like symptoms is to self-isolate; take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for control of fever and discomfort; drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids such as water and juice; and get plenty of rest. Health professionals are available for those students needing medical evaluation or treatment.
For persons with chronic illnesses, however, this current strain of the flu may present a greater risk, according to the CDC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Pregnant women, persons with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, immunosuppression and other chronic illnesses, should consult a physician to determine the best treatment for their symptoms.
Determining with 100 percent certainty that someone has the H1N1 virus requires a specific test that state and federal officials are not recommending. The CDC's recommendation for the uncomplicated flu is that patients are treated symptomatically. Genetic typing of the H1N1 virus is not readily available through the state for outpatients - meaning neither PSU students nor others who visit their health providers are being tested specifically for the H1N1 virus. Instead, health providers have been advised to assume any person with flu-like symptoms is likely to have the new virus.
Dr. Steve Erwin, associate vice president for Campus Life and Auxiliary Services, said campus officials have been planning for some time for the arrival of the flu.
"Our Health Services staff is in frequent contact with state and federal health officials and several campus representatives attended a recent summit in Topeka," Erwin said. "We want to make sure we have the latest information on dealing with this flu strain and that all the measures we take are effective."
One challenge, Erwin said, is making sure students who isolate themselves in their residence hall rooms have appropriate food services. More than 1,100 students live in PSU's residence halls, but they share one main dining facility.
To answer that need, Sodexo Campus Services, which provides meal service on campus, has put together meal boxes for students who can't leave their rooms. The boxes contain Gatorade, water, crackers, fruit, and a non-cream based soup, all foods recommended by medical professionals.
Waterless hand sanitizing stations are located in each of the dining areas on campus and many other locations on campus.
Education is key if the spread of the virus is to be mitigated, Erwin said. The university is working to teach students about actions they can take to help stem the spread of the virus. Posters are going up on campus this week that urge students to visit the Student Health Center's Web site, which includes links to the CDC and Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
And what about classes? It is too early to tell how serious the flu will become, but a widespread incidence of the flu could affect not only class attendance by students, but faculty, as well.
"Restrictive policies, which would normally be prudent for proper classroom management, could lead students to violate the recommended self-isolation period and thus expose others to spread the infection," said Dr. Lynette Olson, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs. "Faculty members have been asked to be prepared to accommodate student absences in attendance, testing, and class assignment make-up policies."
University officials say that although the numbers of students complaining of flu-like symptoms is not yet large, they are monitoring the situation daily and plan to post frequent updates on the university's Web site.
"It is important for students, parents, faculty and staff to have the latest and best information available," Erwin said. "Information is one of the most important tools the public has in dealing with this new virus."
---Pitt State---
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