The Beast on Campus: H1N1 Virus Sweeping Alabama's Campuses

The biggest beast on campus may no longer be Terrence Cody.

According to the Tuscaloosa News, "up to 10 University of Alabama football players have come down with flu-like symptoms and a few have been quarantined to contain the outbreak and protect their teammates":

Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban said Thursday that four or five players have developed the flu and a like number had upper respiratory infections but no fever. Saban said those with the flu have been isolated in dorm rooms to keep from spreading the illness.

Saban said the athletic department’s medical staff has enacted a plan to deal with the situation. Saban did not indicate whether players who have come down with the flu have contracted the N1H1 virus, also known as the Swine Flu. UA reported more than 50 cases of flu on the first day of classes.

Swine Flu is sweeping through college campuses in the state of Alabama. The Capstone, Auburn University, and Shelton State all have students hospitalized and quarantined due to the H1N1 virus.

With 600,000 doses of the antivirus slated to arrive in mid-October, students, teachers, and administration will have to work hard to prevent the flu from becoming an epidemic on campuses across the state.

Diligent hand washing, wiping down counter tops, cleaning publicly accessed computer screens and keyboards, and not sharing items such as cell phones will be important steps that everyone can take in decreasing the possibility of transmission.

If you have fever, stay at home and call someone to let them know of your illness. Other symptoms aside from fever include runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and fatigue. In a few instances, vomiting and diarrhea are associated, as well.

Tamaflu and Relenza are important medications that can be taken to reduce the effect of the virus on the body but should be used within 24-48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Avoid aspirin for fever reduction because of concerns for Reye's syndrome (aspirin-induced liver failure) in the younger population. Tylenol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent are effective in reducing fever and less likely to induce side effects. 

Be sure that you are afebrile without the use of anti-pyretic agents before returning to normal daily activities and social interaction.