Photo by: Eneas
The Swine Flu. Covered by local, state, and national media, and probably the most popular search term on Google right now (wait, who are we kidding? Paris Hilton still tops the charts), the Swine Flu just seems like the next in a long line of calamitous events (after the economic recession and the Bush administration). As we’re bombarded by the chilling pictures of people in doctor’s masks, eerily resembling the 2003 SARS pandemic, its easy to start worrying about your own health and the risks around you. But before you start hoarding food and locking yourself in your grandpa’s old bomb shelter, lets look at the facts.
The H1N1 Influenza Virus aka Swine Flu
The H1N1 Influenza Virus (aptly named “Swine Flu” due to the gene similarity to influenza viruses found in pigs) is thought to spread in a manner very similar to that of an influenza virus (the regular flu). Influenza, of any kind, is a virus-based respiratory illness. Influenza normally affects the nose, throat and lungs, and spreads through the body via the respiratory system. The virus can spread from one person to another through the air and through bodily contact. If an infected person sneezes or coughs on someone else, the virus is passed through the air. Additionally, if someone touches a virus-contaminated surface, or an infected individual, and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected.
H1N1 Influenza Virus
Photo courtesy of Center for Disease Control and Prevention
General Symptoms
Once inside the body, the Swine Flu, much like the regular flu, can exacerbate chronic medical conditions or other illnesses that are already prevalent. In extreme cases of the illness, Pneumonia and respiratory failure can occur, which can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. General symptoms of the virus are similar to those of the regular flu and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea
So what does this mean for your social scene? Should you cancel next week’s sorority mixer or your chapter’s formal set for the end of May?
The simple answer is no. While the Swine Flu poses a serious risk to infected people (just like the regular flu), it is not Armageddon in virus form or an end-all to humanity. And despite what your parents may be emailing you, or what you hear on TV, protection from the Swine Flu doesn’t equate to a full-on quarantine.
Protecting Yourself
While there currently is no vaccine or preventative medicines, like the flu shot, available, you can take simple, every-day precautions to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands! Yes, we know we sound like your mother, but the simple act of hand-washing is one of the easiest and most effective ways of preventing the spread of an influenza virus (alcohol-based cleaners are suggested but not necessary)
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Remember that all flu viruses are respiratory-based. Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw away the tissue immediately after use, and… wash your hands!
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. If you have been exposed to the virus (touching someone or a surface that is infected), you can still prevent infection by avoiding the spread of germs into your body.
- Try to stay in good general health. We all know this can be heard, especially if finals are right around the corner, but do your best. Try to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, drink plenty of water, be physically active, and manage your stress (high levels of stress in some people has been shown to weaken the immune system)
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. This doesn’t mean quarantine your friend who is sick or cast them away like lepers. Rather, be aware of the people around you and their health. If a friend is sick, drop off some chicken noodle soup… just don’t wait for a hug and kiss good-bye.
- Follow public health advice for your area. If schools are closed and your local news is telling you to stay home, heed their advice. While these precautionary efforts may seem extreme, its always better to be safe than sorry.
Protecting Your Chapter
The best way to prevent the Swine Flu in your chapter is to educate your members. Whether you take 10 minutes during chapter meeting, email your members over the listserv, or make a post on your chapter’s website, just make sure that the information is distributed and read. The more your fraternity or sorority members know about the virus, the better they can protect themselves and the chapter.
Your Social Calendar
As for your sorority mixer, chapter formal, or annual philanthropy, we suggest taking everything in stride. Cases are being reported all throughout the country, and state and local officials are acting in different ways. If you have a big event or large social gathering planned, get some information from your local officials first (including your college or university administration and city officials). Based on reported cases in the area, they should be able to help you decide whether to continue or cancel your event.
Additional Resources for Information regarding the H1N1 Influenza
CDC – H1N1 Influenza Virus General Information
Disclaimer: While we try to stay as informed as possible, please note that we are not doctors nor do we represent government or health organizations. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the websites listed above, or contact your state or local officials.