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Georgia Southern students concerned about H1N1
Posted: Aug 20, 2009 5:07 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 21, 2009 7:52 AM CDT
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Georgia Southern students concerned about H1N1
Student Health Center medical director Dr. Brian DeLoach
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STATESBORO, GA (WTOC) - Georgia Southern University Student Health Center medical director Dr. Brian DeLoach told WTOC that since Monday 50 people have complained of flu like symptoms.
Twenty five of those are confirmed to have Influenza A, a strain of the flu linked to H1N1. But there is still no confirmation of swine flu.
Rumors of H1N1 around campus spread almost as quickly as the virus itself.
"I haven't really been to my sorority house a whole lot, because I know that's a common area. So I stick to myself for awhile, especially when there's an outbreak like that," said graduate student Kelsey Grubbs.
Grubbs is also the former president of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Greek row has been the target of the suspected outbreaks.
"There have been a few sorority houses that have had several outbreaks," said Grubbs. "Fifteen girls in a sorority get sick, but that's just because they're together all the time."
And according to Dr. DeLoach, they're not alone.
"We have seen it in Greek groups, but we've probably seen as many cases or an equal number, or close to that, outside those organizations," he explained.
Dr. DeLoach stressed so far, none of those flu cases are H1N1. And the flu cases they have seen have been mild. But he expects to see more.
"We're not as concerned about how sick people might get, but how many people will get sick at one time."
With fall classes just beginning, H1N1 prevention is just as popular as the students studies. But it's also easing their fears.
"The more I saw of it, the more I realize its not as bad as people make it out to be," said Kelsey. "The people that I talked to that had it, usually bounce back pretty quickly."
Georgia Southern Health officials have sent three cultures to the state lab. They should have results next week.
They say safety for their students is their top priority. Which is why students who present with flu like symptoms at the campus health clinic are sent home with a mask.
They're also given strict instructions not to leave their rooms until 24 hours after their fevers have passed.
Georgia Southern also said they've been planning for a pandemic, even before H1N1 made news.
http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10965911
Posted: Aug 20, 2009 5:07 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 21, 2009 7:52 AM CDT
Featured Videos
Georgia Southern students concerned about H1N1
Student Health Center medical director Dr. Brian DeLoach
Most-Read StoriesFatal accident shuts down portion of I-5162006 hatchet murder suspect convictedPortal remembers soldier killed in AfghanistanGeorgia Southern students concerned about H1N1Bell appeared in court for second time, denied bondMORE NEWS
Most-Viewed VideosOtter and dogs best friends at wildlife sanctuaryJudge struggles with vehicular homicide caseSchool, community shocked by Alma teen's deathSuspect caught on tape using stolen credit cardsEvening Update on August 19By Melanie Ruberti - bio | email
STATESBORO, GA (WTOC) - Georgia Southern University Student Health Center medical director Dr. Brian DeLoach told WTOC that since Monday 50 people have complained of flu like symptoms.
Twenty five of those are confirmed to have Influenza A, a strain of the flu linked to H1N1. But there is still no confirmation of swine flu.
Rumors of H1N1 around campus spread almost as quickly as the virus itself.
"I haven't really been to my sorority house a whole lot, because I know that's a common area. So I stick to myself for awhile, especially when there's an outbreak like that," said graduate student Kelsey Grubbs.
Grubbs is also the former president of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Greek row has been the target of the suspected outbreaks.
"There have been a few sorority houses that have had several outbreaks," said Grubbs. "Fifteen girls in a sorority get sick, but that's just because they're together all the time."
And according to Dr. DeLoach, they're not alone.
"We have seen it in Greek groups, but we've probably seen as many cases or an equal number, or close to that, outside those organizations," he explained.
Dr. DeLoach stressed so far, none of those flu cases are H1N1. And the flu cases they have seen have been mild. But he expects to see more.
"We're not as concerned about how sick people might get, but how many people will get sick at one time."
With fall classes just beginning, H1N1 prevention is just as popular as the students studies. But it's also easing their fears.
"The more I saw of it, the more I realize its not as bad as people make it out to be," said Kelsey. "The people that I talked to that had it, usually bounce back pretty quickly."
Georgia Southern Health officials have sent three cultures to the state lab. They should have results next week.
They say safety for their students is their top priority. Which is why students who present with flu like symptoms at the campus health clinic are sent home with a mask.
They're also given strict instructions not to leave their rooms until 24 hours after their fevers have passed.
Georgia Southern also said they've been planning for a pandemic, even before H1N1 made news.
http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10965911