Chances of Swine Flu are slim
Myserious flu-like disease has the nation concerned
Dan Murphy
Issue date: 5/6/09 Section: News
A new infection has begun spreading across North America and casting fear into the hearts of people at all ends of the United States. With grumblings of the disease potentially reaching pandemic status, Swine Flu has captured the attention of health professionals across the world. Saint Rose is no exception.
Left untreated, the Swine Flu has the capability of posing a threat to one's life. Common flu like symptoms are a tipping point, as well as coming in contact with a person or area that has been reported to have contract the virus in recent history.
The Center for Disease Control has reported 226 cases of the illness in the United States, the lone death coming in Texas. In total, 30 states have reported cases of Swine Flu. New York leads all other localities with 63 contractions.
The outbreak has sparked much concern in New York City, which one Saint Rose student can attest to. Jason Moreno, a senior in the communications department working with the Tribeca Film Festival, has resided in Manhattan for the duration of the spring semester. He has noticed a sense of panic creeping into the core of the Big Apple.
"It's turning into a big deal around here," Moreno said. "I'm doing my best to stay healthy by using hand sanitizer."
Simple hygenic measures, such as those employed by Moreno, are being recommended to those attempting to avoid the flu. Saint Rose Assistant Director of Health Services Michelle Patterson has been following the CDC guidelines for protection from the Swine Flu and feels that no dramatic steps need to be taken by a student that wants to dodge the outbreak. Should the situation become dire on campus, her department is ready to respond.
"There is a plan in place for the campus if anyone should come in with signs or symptoms. Then they would be evaluated by our physician or nurse practitioner and directed whether or not to go to the hospital," Patterson said.
Last week, several potential cases of the flu were reported in Schenectady, Albany and Washington counties. With further investigation into those illnesses proving the cases to be unrelated to the new virus, Patterson feels that there is no need for anyone in the Saint Rose community to fear for their well-being.
"I don't think it's anything of a concern on campus here. No one has come in with complaints fitting the description of the Swine Flu," she said. "Right now, we're just being proactive."
Left untreated, the Swine Flu has the capability of posing a threat to one's life. Common flu like symptoms are a tipping point, as well as coming in contact with a person or area that has been reported to have contract the virus in recent history.
The Center for Disease Control has reported 226 cases of the illness in the United States, the lone death coming in Texas. In total, 30 states have reported cases of Swine Flu. New York leads all other localities with 63 contractions.
The outbreak has sparked much concern in New York City, which one Saint Rose student can attest to. Jason Moreno, a senior in the communications department working with the Tribeca Film Festival, has resided in Manhattan for the duration of the spring semester. He has noticed a sense of panic creeping into the core of the Big Apple.
"It's turning into a big deal around here," Moreno said. "I'm doing my best to stay healthy by using hand sanitizer."
Simple hygenic measures, such as those employed by Moreno, are being recommended to those attempting to avoid the flu. Saint Rose Assistant Director of Health Services Michelle Patterson has been following the CDC guidelines for protection from the Swine Flu and feels that no dramatic steps need to be taken by a student that wants to dodge the outbreak. Should the situation become dire on campus, her department is ready to respond.
"There is a plan in place for the campus if anyone should come in with signs or symptoms. Then they would be evaluated by our physician or nurse practitioner and directed whether or not to go to the hospital," Patterson said.
Last week, several potential cases of the flu were reported in Schenectady, Albany and Washington counties. With further investigation into those illnesses proving the cases to be unrelated to the new virus, Patterson feels that there is no need for anyone in the Saint Rose community to fear for their well-being.
"I don't think it's anything of a concern on campus here. No one has come in with complaints fitting the description of the Swine Flu," she said. "Right now, we're just being proactive."
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Insurance Quotes Flu Watch
posted 2/03/10 @ 5:50 PM EST
Simple hygenic measures have become so important in the past year. Its amazing how something so simple as washing hands more frequently can save your life. (Continued…)
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