Issue date: 9/28/09 Section: News

A campus-wide email was sent last Friday on behalf of the Office of University Health, Wellness, and Counseling stating that a student at the University of Missouri - St. Louis had been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus, commonly known as Swine Flu. This is the first diagnosed case at the university although there have been documented cases at other universities and schools in the region, including the recent death of Hazelwood Central High School freshman, Asia Conley.



According to the email, the student diagnosed did not live on campus and "self isolated" before going into the wellness clinic to be tested for the virus. The email also said that additional hand sanitizers to be placed outside of main entrances, elevators and buildings would soon be arriving. The Wellness Center also urges for students to continue to be cautious and wash their hands with soap and water frequently or to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.



According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the severity of flu outbreaks throughout the 2009-2010 fall and summer is unpredictable. The CDC states that it is likely the virus will affect a greater percentage of communities than was seen in 2009 spring and summer.

If people think they might have contracted the H1N1 virus, they are asked to self isolate until their symptoms have subsided.

According to the CDC, persons who believe they may have contracted the virus should stay home until they have been without fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Some UM-St. Louis students have expressed that they feel there is too much hype on campus regarding the H1N1 virus. Danny Coonen, junior, criminology, said that he feels too many people are being "babies."

"It's the flu," Coonen said. "Get over it. There is only a small portion of people who actually have serious complications with it."

Edwin Butler took a similar stance and said that if everyone was cautious it should not become a problem.

Butler added that "everyone seems to know something new" about the virus or "know someone" who contracted it.

"Everyone talks about it or knows someone who knows about it," Butler said, "It's like an urban legend. I think if everyone is as cautious as they usually are when the flu goes around, everything will be fine."

The email sent out contained information regarding the H1N1 virus vaccination as well as information for the seasonal flu vaccination.

Both vaccinations will be available soon at the Office of Health Wellness & Counseling.

Testing for diagnosis of the H1N1 virus is available at the Office of Health Wellness & Counseling on campus. To make an appointment call (314) 516 5671.