Author: Sarah Mofford
With the beginning of flu season here, Occidental faces not only the seasonal flu but also the relatively new H1N1 strain of influenza that has caused great concern in the United States. Emmons Health Center has already reported two suspected cases of the H1N1 virus on campus.
Emmons is giving out seasonal flu shots, but this year the H1N1 vaccine, a vaccine that combats avian and swine flu, will also be offered. Emmons’ seasonal flu shots were given on Sept. 16 and 21. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to arrive sometime in October. The federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Sept. 11 that during the week of Aug. 30-Sept. 5, there was an increase in influenza activity.
According to the CDC Web site, “[the] total influenza hospitalization rates for adults and children are similar to or lower than seasonal influenza hospitalization rates depending on age group, but are higher than expected in the summer months.” The CDC estimated that an average of 36,000 people die in the U.S. each year from seasonal flu causing concern over the increased rates.
“The CDC recommends [getting the vaccines] because it has a cross beneficial response,” said Director of Student Health Services Richard Youngblood.
Jessica Welty (sophomore) said her experience confirmed this. “I’ve been getting a flu shot ever since I can remember, partially because I have a weak immune system. I’ve had [the flu] once and I had to go to the hospital because my fever was 106. Since then I’ve gotten a flu shot every year and [have] never gotten the flu.”
The vaccines do not guarantee that an individual won’t get the flu. The vaccine is designed by examining the viral strain that was most harmful and pervasive the previous year and trying to guess which strain will be most present this year. However, it is helpful for the body to develop immunity to any strain of the flu, even if it isn’t the most active strain this year.
On Sept. 16th, an e-mail was sent out that two Occidental students are suspected to have the H1N1 virus. The students were given an Influenza A/B test, which ruled out seasonal flu.
“Although a definitive H1N1 test has not been performed, the federal Centers for Disease Control has advised that nationwide 98 percent of cases observed so far are H1N1,” said Communications Director James Tranquada in the e-mail announcement.
A national survey last week found that nearly two-thirds of the nation’s colleges and universities were reporting cases of influenza-like illness. Most cases so far have been mild and have not needed extreme medical attention.
“L.A. County will receive around 80 million vaccines by October,” Youngblood said. “And they’ll hit schools first, probably K through 12 and hospitals. So it is my guess that we won’t get 100 percent up front.”
However, Emmons has ordered 2,500 vaccines and priority will be given to Oxy students with compromised immune systems.Sam Jackson (first-year) said, “Last time I got a flu shot I ended up getting the flu. That was four years ago. I haven’t gotten a flu shot since and I haven’t gotten the flu since.” However, he is considering getting the H1N1 vaccine but says he is cautious because it is a new vaccine. He said, “They might rush it through the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] process for the flu season.” Youngblood acknowledged that the choice to get the shot is up to the individual and Emmons does not force flu shots on anyone.
He also said, “It [the H1N1 vaccine] is not totally tested yet.”
An e-mail sent out on Sept. 15th from Youngblood said, “[If you] have trouble drinking enough fluids, have a fever for more then five days, feel better and then get a fever again, CALL a healthcare provider. [If you] are short of breath or wheezing, coughing up blood, have chest pains when breathing, have heart disease, unable to sit up, walk or function normally (especially in elderly persons), GO RIGHT AWAY for medical care.” However, for less serious symptoms, the virus does respond to Tamiflu, which will ease any flu symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, aches, chills, cough, runny nose, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.
To avoid the flu all together, Emmons suggests that students maintain good personal hygiene and avoid germs spread through contact by sanitizing hands.
For updates about H1N1 and other vaccines, go to http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm or to http://www.oxy.edu/x8910.xml.
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