Josh Robison, staff writer
The fall semester is over halfway done, but the cold and flu season is just beginning. Students around campus are dealing with a number of illnesses, including the notorious H1N1 virus, more commonly referred to as the “swine” flu.
The recent wave of illnesses has many rushing to the urgent care, checking to see if they have acquired the virus.
With so many students out sick, some question the university’s plan of action if the trend were to continue.
At this point, Vanguard plans to keep everything running as normal. However, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has assembled an emergency plan to be put into action if the situation worsens.
“We have a contingency plan in place…if we find out that this is affecting a certain percentage of faculty or staff, then we would [first] go down to preemptive measures and then reactive measures,” Dr. Ann Hamilton, Vice President of Student Affairs, said.
Some feel that the plan should already be in action, considering the current number of sick students.
“I don’t understand why [authorities] cancelled school before for fires that were still miles away, but won’t cancel school for a sickness that is actually affecting so many students within the campus,” said senior Mia Schneider.
Although Schneider has not been affected personally by H1N1, she works alongside others in the Music department who have acquired the virus.
A handful of students reported having the virus, claiming it to be comparable to a seasonal flu virus, only more severe.
“I had such a high fever…I was hallucinating and could not walk,” freshman Amanda White said, referring to the complications resulting from the H1N1 virus.
Vanguard has stepped up precautionary efforts in hopes of avoiding any further spreading of the virus. With no health center on campus, students are encouraged to be proactive in their preventative actions.
Many of those who were infected with H1N1 were advised to go home and stay in isolation and wear a mask when around others.
“[Doctors] had me wear a special mask called an N-95 mask…which is usually used for tuberculosis patients,” said junior Josh Quale, who returned to campus after recovering from the virus.
The H1N1 virus has its own unique difficulties, making it a more dramatic flu virus than the typical seasonal virus.
“This [H1N1 virus] is differentially affecting infants, children and college-age people as opposed to other flus that hit the elderly, the frail and the infirmed,” Hamilton said.
Sophomore Kelsey Keitzman was one of the first students to see the effects of H1N1, catching the virus in late May.
“It was different than the regular [seasonal] flu,” Keitzman recollects. “You don’t throw up as much…you just have more of the aches and chills.
While the exact number of students affected by H1N1 at Vanguard has not been released, this illness has the potential to impact everyone.
“This [virus] is different…it got all of our attention,” Hamilton said.
Orange County health officials and the Center for Disease Control are urging everyone to get two flu shots this year.
Seasonal flu vaccinations are now available at a number of nearby locations, including Target, CVS and Rite-Aid. By mid-November, the H1N1 vaccination is expected to be available at similar locations around the area.
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