As we all know, a big issue of concern this fall is the H1N1 flu outbreak. Being students and faculty on a college campus, we should all be concerned. The CDC (the Center for Disease Control and Prevention) describes H1N1 as a new influenza virus that is causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in April 2009 and is continuing to spread worldwide. The World Health Organization is predicting a pandemic of the 2009 H1N1 flu.
The H1N1 flu spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected people, much like the regular seasonal flu. The virus can also be spread by someone touching a surface infected with the virus and then proceeding to touch his or her mouth or nose. Symptoms of the H1N1 flu include: runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, fever, cough, and sore throat.
Many people are concerned with the severity of this new illness. The CDC reports that this illness has ranged from mild to severe. Most people experience mild symptoms while others experience severe symptoms and maybe need to be admitted to a hospital. People that may experience these severe symptoms are children younger than five years old, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and kidney disease.
It is especially important for us to take proper precautions this flu season in order to prevent ourselves from getting the H1N1 flu.
