Swine flu 2009: Vaccine update
Ross Wasserstrom
Issue date: 10/30/09 Section: News
More than 25 cases of H1N1 or "swine" flu have been confirmed on the Case Western Reserve University campus in the month of October, but that number is expected to rise. Case Western's Emerging Infections Committee officially announced over the weekend that Case has been given over 4000 vaccines to distribute to students, faculty, and staff.
The now-infamous infection has affected students living on- and off-campus, as well as graduate students and Case staff members. Almost all the dormitories have had at least one case, and the infection is expected to spread further around campus and Ohio at large.
As reported earlier in October by The Observer, there had been an almost six-week gap between infections on campus, but dozens of students from multiple Case departments and living arrangements have fallen ill in the past two weeks. Indeed, Ohio at large has seen a spike in H1N1 infections.
Dr. Eleanor Davidson, the Director of Health Services on campus, says that "infections like [H1N1] sometimes spread quickly in dormitories simply because of proximity. If someone gets sick, their roommates may test positive even if they have been careful."
Beginning this week, University Health Services will be distributing their allotted vaccines all over campus. Fribley, Wade Commons, and the Adelbert Gym will all host opportunities for the community to receive the vaccine. Though the vaccine has been the subject of controversy and debate recently, UHS strongly advises all students get vaccinated, both for their own health and that of people around them. "For their own safety, people should know that the flu is around them," said Tim Eppich, associate director of nursing.
Already, students and staff charged with the care of infected students have been inoculated against H1N1, including the Case EMS, resident assistents, and the Housing & Residence Life staff. As they are the primary point of contact for anyone with H1N1 on campus, they have also been supplied with masks and other disease-prevention equipment. To keep campus safe, however, responsibility lies most heavily with those who are sick. "Anyone showing flu symptoms should wear a mask and isolate themselves as much as possible" said Eppich.
The now-infamous infection has affected students living on- and off-campus, as well as graduate students and Case staff members. Almost all the dormitories have had at least one case, and the infection is expected to spread further around campus and Ohio at large.
As reported earlier in October by The Observer, there had been an almost six-week gap between infections on campus, but dozens of students from multiple Case departments and living arrangements have fallen ill in the past two weeks. Indeed, Ohio at large has seen a spike in H1N1 infections.
Dr. Eleanor Davidson, the Director of Health Services on campus, says that "infections like [H1N1] sometimes spread quickly in dormitories simply because of proximity. If someone gets sick, their roommates may test positive even if they have been careful."
Beginning this week, University Health Services will be distributing their allotted vaccines all over campus. Fribley, Wade Commons, and the Adelbert Gym will all host opportunities for the community to receive the vaccine. Though the vaccine has been the subject of controversy and debate recently, UHS strongly advises all students get vaccinated, both for their own health and that of people around them. "For their own safety, people should know that the flu is around them," said Tim Eppich, associate director of nursing.
Already, students and staff charged with the care of infected students have been inoculated against H1N1, including the Case EMS, resident assistents, and the Housing & Residence Life staff. As they are the primary point of contact for anyone with H1N1 on campus, they have also been supplied with masks and other disease-prevention equipment. To keep campus safe, however, responsibility lies most heavily with those who are sick. "Anyone showing flu symptoms should wear a mask and isolate themselves as much as possible" said Eppich.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Sean Rushforth
posted 10/30/09 @ 10:42 AM EST
The number of confirmed swine flu cases continues to rise as 73,000 cases were reported in the UK last week. Swine Flu UK
fran118
msimon
posted 10/31/09 @ 1:24 AM EST
I see Swine flu mentioned all over the news media but I don't know if this variation of the flu is any different than the ordinary flu? Other than the fact that its a new strain, is it more dangerous? I don't think so but anyway I'm glad the public is being careful and safe. (Continued…)
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