Swine Flu Fears and Preparations Hit College Campuses

As outbreaks of the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, increase around the United States, college campuses are particularly at risk given their dense, diverse populations and the susceptibility of younger people to severe cases.

Warnings from the White House and the Centers for Disease Control about a nationwide pandemic have only heightened the concern of administrators balancing public health necessities and the importance of preventing class and campus activity interruptions. Inside Higher Ed reported on a variety of suggestions from the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services for prevention and containment, including encouraging "self isolation" for students exhibiting symptoms and creating accommodating absenteeism and distance learning policies. Online course offerings (previous Cram coverage here) may become essential for isolation efforts. Similar solutions unfortunately wouldn't apply to any high-profile public and sporting events threatened by the virus, however.

An H1N1 shutdown scenario has already played out in India, where all Mumbai schools and colleges were closed due to outbreak concerns that many claimed were overblown. Cinemas and theaters were also closed for three days.

Pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. and around the world are rushing to produce enough of a vaccine by mid-October to immunize those most vulnerable to the virus. The U.S. campaign could expand to half the population in a couple of months in the largest immunization effort in human history.

In the meantime, information may be one of the most efficient ways to fight swine flu given the importance of basic hygiene measures like hand-washing, covering sneezes and coughs, and avoiding sick people. The CDC has set up a "H1N1 Flu and You" web page with more preventive steps and frequently asked questions, information that they will be bringing to the e-masses with an "internet barrage" in the coming weeks. Website and other updates will also come directly from administrators who opened up such channels during the initial outbreaks last spring. Even primary and high schools have been taking advantage of new communication tools.

There will be plenty of watching and waiting as the flu season and preventive measures develop. In the meantime, it's best for students to keep a close eye on news updates and everyday germs as they return to campus.