H1N1 Spreads in Md., Brings Fears and Parties

Katelynn McGinley

Staff Reporter

While the cases of H1N1 continue to spread at nearby Towson University, Johns Hopkins University, and Maryland State College Park Universities, the virus more commonly known as “swine flu” has also made its way to McDaniel. At press time the college had confirmed that at least one student has contracted the disease, and many students are concerned about how catching the virus will affect their studies.

“I can’t really afford to get sick right now,” says senior Valerie Hudson. “I’m so busy with school, and I feel like missing class [due to illness] would really put me behind.”

Unfortunately, with an H1N1 vaccination still a few weeks away from being released to the public, many people across the country are taking matters into their own hands in an effort to build up an immunity disease. “Swine flu parties” – where a healthy person comes in contact with a person infected with H1N1 – are becoming a popular option for people who hope to build up a resistance to the virus and avoid getting sick later on.

But, before you run to Facebook to extend a mass invite to a jumpin’ SWINE FLU PARTY BLOWOUT, keep in mind that Maryland state health officials do not advocate this practice and stick to their statement that people should avoid contact with anyone infected with H1N1, saying that “swine flu parties” are simply “not a good idea.”

“Although the symptoms [for H1N1] have been mild for the most part,” says the World Health Organization in an official statement, “there’s no way to predict with any certainty what the outcome would be for an individual.”

However, for those students with sick roommates –you might find yourself an unwilling participant in an unofficial swine flu party. If you do get sick – don’t fret, the World Health Organization said that the virus has not mutated into a more dangerous strain, as they originally thought it might. Most people that get sick have only mild symptoms and recover without needing any kind of treatment.

If you would like to schedule an appointment to be seen at McDaniel’s Health and Wellness Center, call ahead (410-857-2243) and schedule an appointment.

Administration Urges Students to Stay Smart, Practice Healthy Habits

Katelynn McGinley

Staff Reporter

As the H1N1 virus – commonly referred to as the swine flu – continues to spread, colleges and universities across the country are doing their best to prepare students for outbreaks. While, as of press time, there were no reported cases of swine flu in Carroll County or at McDaniel, there have been documented cases at nearby universities like Towson, Johns Hopkins, and University of Maryland, Baltimore County. The Baltimore Sun reports that the University of Maryland, College Park, is dealing with 172 flu cases that according to campus officials, is “probably” the H1N1 virus.

With a vaccination at least a month away from being distributed, schools are dealing with the issue of H1N1 in different ways. The University of Florida has set aside “sick rooms” for students infected with H1N1, while others, like Loyola College in Baltimore, are strongly advocating flu vaccination shots for all students and faculty members. Sick students are being advised to return home if possible, or otherwise isolate themselves in their dorms or apartments until they have gone 24 hours symptom free.

Despite the widespread panic the spread of H1N1 is causing, many people still have questions about the virus, its effects, and what can be done to prevent it. So here, in a nutshell, is everything you as a student need to know about the H1N1 virus, as stated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Mayo Clinic.

First of all: What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by Influenza A viruses. Like people, pigs can get influenza (the flu). Usually, cases of swine flu do not infect humans, and in the past the infection was usually limited to people who had direct contact with pigs. The current strain of swine flu is globally widespread, and the chain of person-to-person transmission is no longer clear in most areas. In other words, just because you have not fed a pig in the last three months does not mean you’re safe from H1N1.

Can I get swine flu from eating pork?

Nope! H1N1 cannot be spread through food. Food cooked to an internal temperature of 160 F (71 C) will kill the virus, so eating properly cooked pork is still perfectly safe.

Why all the fuss?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a level 6 pandemic alert for H1N1 – the highest alert level of its kind. This relates more to how widespread the virus is, and is not a reflection of its severity.

What are the symptoms?

Basically, the same as the regular flu. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, coughing, body aches, runny nose, chills, and fatigue. Most people who have the plain old flu exhibit at least two of these symptoms, so the only way to know for sure that you have H1N1 is to have a series of lab tests done. Like seasonal flu, swine flu has been known to cause neurological symptoms in young children. All of these symptoms will be more intense in people of advanced age, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems.

So, you’ve got swine flu…

Say you do have a lo and behold, you actually do have swine flu. The good news is that most people infected with swine flu recover without needing any special medical attention beyond that which you would normally treat the regular flu with. So, get mom (or your roommates) to make you some chicken noodle soup, notify your professors that you’ll be out of class for a few days, drink plenty of fluids, take some Tylenol, and get lots of rest.

If you wish to be seen at McDaniel’s Health and Wellness Center, call ahead (410-857-2243) so that the clinic can be prepared to treat you.

Keep reading The Free Press for more updates on the swine flu story as it develops.

Scott Welkos

Staff Reporter

“Think of everything that you touch,” urges dean of Student Affairs Beth Gerl. Indeed, if one does consider all that they touch throughout the day, then the thought of germs isn’t too far behind. Well, not anymore.

As of Tuesday, September 1, students and faculty alike may have noticed McDaniel College’s latest investment: 17 brand new hand sanitizer dispensers. They have been scattered throughout common areas campus wide. It’s an attempt to “encourage people to keep their hands clean,” said Gerl. “Something people take for granted,” she added.

Prior to their installment, McDaniel College had approximately 45 of the sanitizing units. However, based on a recommendation from the Wellness Center, the school decided to make them even more readily available. George Brenton, McDaniel College’s director of Maintenance, explained, “It’s something we’ve been doing, the latest recommendation just sped up the process.”

Gerl added, “With new H1N1 information, the Center for Disease Control is communicating that preventative measures are the most important piece of preventing the spread.”

According Brenton, the sanitizers cost about eight dollars apiece. However, he explained that the real cost lies in keeping the units functioning: 50 dollars to replace the cartridges which contain the sanitizer. And with 62 of them on campus, that can really add up.

In addition to the mounted sanitizing units, McDaniel has also purchased 2 new self-standing units in addition to the 4 that the school already had. Gerl explained that these can be easily moved to different events as needed, even if they’re outside, in order to “provide different locations to continually cleanse.”

So keep your eyes open and your hands clean. New hand sanitizing units can be located in the fitness center, gymnasium locker rooms, Decker Center, the library, as well as various computer labs and common areas throughout campus. “Spread the love,” said Gerl, “just don’t share the germs.”