The H1N1 flu virus, also known as the “Swine Flu,” has been a concern to students and to those in the community ever since new strands of it emerged in 2009. Although new cases of H1N1 are on the decline nationally, cases of the virus are still reported on-campus.

According to the Flu.gov online, "The H1N1 virus is similar to the regular flu and may include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and possibly vomiting or diarrhea. It is very contagious."

Unfortunately, many people will get sick this year from the flu. However, there are preventative measures that students can still take here on campus.

The best way that a person can avoid getting the flu this year is by receiving the highly anticipated H1N1 flu vaccine. In the beginning, these vaccines were hard to come by and were administered to those considered to be at high risk.

According to the Center for Disease Control at the CDC.gov, those considered high risk include "pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months of age, health and emergency medical services personnel, all people from six months through 24 years of age and persons aged 25 through 64 years who have a higher risk of medical complications from influenza."

 Fortunately, now vaccines are now widely available and recommended to everyone.

"Students should never drink after each other, always wash their hands thoroughly, try to avoid others who are sick, drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest,” said Debra Dugan, UWG health educator. "It also helps if one stops smoking, eats healthier and lives an active lifestyle.”

There have also been rumors that one vaccination against H1N1 is not enough and that a second vaccine might be required.

"So far, we don't have any more new information about that issue right now," said Dugan.

Fortunately, the human body should develop a resistance to the virus if infected.

According to the CDC.gov, "Getting infected with any influenza virus, including 2009 H1N1, should cause the body to develop immune resistance to that virus so it's not likely that a person would be infected with the identical influenza virus more than once."

For more information on the H1N1 flu, students are recommended to visit Student Health 101 online at http://www.westga.edu/health/index_4167.php.

"Student Health 101 is a magazine geared toward college students,” said Dugan. “It is fun to read and it has archives about the H1N1 flu and many other diseases. Also, students can contribute to the magazine and have a chance to be published.

If everyone takes the proper steps to avoid the flu this year, students will be healthier, happier and will avoid missing class.

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