In my experience, at Dordt last year, swine flu was not taken very seriously. It was a punchline, like West Nile or "bird flu." But according to the Washington Post, 72% of college campuses across America have reported cases of swine flu. It is infecting college students at a rate of 18 cases per 10,000 students.
Dordt's health office website has some good tips to avoid contracting the flu this season:
Protect Yourself:
1. Get vaccinated. The single best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated.
2. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Avoid close contact with the people who appear sick. A distance of 6 feet is recommended to protect yourself.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
5. Frequently clean your living quarters. If you live together with other students, you should frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas.
Protect Others:
1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your hands.
2. Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.
Thoughts?
