Although preliminary precautions against the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus had proved to be effective initially, the disease has begun to spread across campus. There have been over 40 cases of H1N1 since the first diagnosis earlier in the month. Student Health Center physicians estimate the virus has an attack rate between 30 and 40 percent, and expect at least 300 students will become infected.
Dr. John Roberts ’83 announced Wednesday evening via email that the Montgomery County Health Department has made 30 doses of the H1N1 vaccine available for high-risk Wabash students. After the high-risk students have been vaccinated, the remaining doses will be available to the remainder of the student body.
Health Services officials ask students with chronic lung disease, suppressed immunity, diabetes, chronic liver disease, or chronic kidney disease to come to the health clinic for early vaccination. Students with egg or protein allergies, who have reacted to flu vaccines poorly in the past, or have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome should not receive the vaccine.
For other students, precautions will have to do for now, as more doses of the vaccine may not become available till late November.
In a memorandum sent through email to the student body, and reiterated later by an email from Dean of Students Michael Raters ’85, Dr. Roberts indicated virtually all cases of H1N1 infection have been mild, requiring no hospitalization or medication. Infected students who live two to three hours from their hometown have been sent home, and most are able to return to campus within five days.
Roberts warned severe cases might also appear, so students, faculty, and staff should continue to practice good hygiene habits and take precautions. These habits include washing hands and common surfaces, avoiding coughing into the hands, avoiding touching the eyes, as well as isolation for those with symptoms of influenza.
Roberts also said the Student Health Center has been overwhelmed with sick students, and local practices have become overwhelmed as well.
Roberts asked students not to enter the Health Center for an appointment, but instead to call or email Nurse Carol Dr. Roberts or Dr. Scott Douglas ’84. Students who experience trouble breathing, severe chest pain, fever over 103 degrees, confusion, or pale skin should ignore the screening process and come directly to the Student Health Center.
Additionally, Roberts said students with the following symptoms were likely to be infected with H1N1: rapid onset of symptoms, fever over 100 degrees, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, headache, nausea, and dizziness.
Students infected with H1N1 who cannot get home have been asked to remain isolated in their rooms.
