We’ve been hearing about the H1N1 virus (or Swine Flue) for quite some time, but now that 40,000 young adults are living and working together again, this flu is getting serious. As reported by the DI today, eight students have been diagnosed with H1N1, and one of those cases is in the Armory House. According to Dr. David Lawrance, a spokesman for McKinley Health Center, “One in three students will become infected with the H1N1 virus by winter break.”

Now don’t get too worried. This is just a prediction, and we should be able to handle this. As reported by The Quad in late April, it is important to be aware of the signs and preventative measures:

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include fever of greater than 100 degrees F, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue.

To prevent the spread of swine flu, avoid contact with ill persons; when you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you don’t have a tissue), and throw the tissue in a trash can; after coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel; if you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible, and stay at home or in your hotel room. Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing).

For more information, visit the McKinley Health Center Web site: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu

UPDATE: Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Flier

This is serious. If you are sick, get help; don’t spread it.

I know you are tired of hearing about the so-called Swine Influenza, but for your safety, I thought I’d share a letter from McKinley:

Public health officials on campus and throughout the world are investigating outbreaks of swine influenza – commonly known as swine flu.

The outbreak is ongoing and additional cases are expected.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include fever of greater than 100 degrees F, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue.

To prevent the spread of swine flu, avoid contact with ill persons; when you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you don’t have a tissue), and throw the tissue in a trash can; after coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel; if you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible, and stay at home or in your hotel room. Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing).

For more information, visit the McKinley Health Center Web site: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu

Stay healthy out there!

Researchers at the UIUC have found that traditional Chinese exercises combining Taiji and Qigong can help keep one safe from influenza. The exercises seem to increase the HI anti-flu antibody titer response and help protect the individual from disease. So the next time you feel the flu coming on, just take a break from your studies and review your traditional Chinese exercises!

While the Chinese have long believed the exercises result in a range of physical, mental and spiritual benefits for practitioners, until recently, evidence has been largely anecdotal. Yang’s overarching research focus is to use Western scientific practices to validate centuries of anecdotal claims and reveal what he calls “the essence of the tradition.”

Traditional Chinese exercises may increase efficacy of flu vaccine