H1N1 Virus Epidemic

The World Health Organization signaled a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 is underway. Flu related hospitalizations and deaths are continuing to rise and are above what is expected for this time of year.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported, "President Barack Obama has declared the H1N1 outbreak a national emergency." The Post-Gazette reports that more than 1,000 Americans have died and 20,000 have been hospitalized in the nation, due to H1N1 virus.

Unlike other viruses, the H1N1 mainly affects the younger population; most affected are six months to 25 years of age, including the "traditional" students at BC3.

The virus was first detected in the United States April 2009. The virus has been called the "swine flu" because it is similar to the viruses that occur in pigs.

The H1N1 differs from seasonal flu viruses, often leading to secondary infections and effecting a different population of people. This is why the H1N1 virus is considered atypical.

Symptoms range from mild to severe and include fatigue, chills, fever, sneezing, muscle aches, coughing, and sore throat. Some cases involve vomiting and diarrhea. The H1N1 virus is contagious from one day before someone gets sick and five to seven days after a person is infected.

The Public Relations Department of Butler Health System could not comment on confirmed cases or deaths from the H1N1 virus in Butler County, however, they referred The Pennsylvania Department of Health website as a reliable resource. There are several confirmed cases and one confirmed death in Butler County, states the website.

Most people recover without receiving medical treatment, in fact most doctors do not want ill patients coming to the office and infect others. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending two types of drugs for treatment of severe cases, Oseletamivir and Zanamivir.
Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug that slows the spread of influenza. Zanamivir helps stop influenza as well. The drugs are powerful and difficult to receive a prescription for at this time.

The H1N1 virus is highly contagious and is spread by coughing, sneezing and touching something with the infected virus. Institutions pose greater risks because of the close contact.

BC3 staff has put up various wall mountings of hand sanitizer located throughout the campus as a way to prevent the spread.

Student at BC3, Emily Alwine says she uses the sanitizer frequently because it is easily accessed.

There are various ways to protect against the flu. One should wash hands often, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth and if sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone. The CDC also recommends an H1N1 vaccine, which is the best prevention against contracting the virus.

According to the Washington Post, people are becoming frustrated waiting for the vaccine. The Federal Government states that there is only a fraction of doses available.

The PA Department of Health expects to distribute at least 2.5 million doses of the vaccine throughout the state by the end of October. By November, the vaccine should be available to everyone across the state.

BC3 and Slippery Rock University student Rita Giegel said, "I am not going to get the vaccine because I am afraid of the side effects since it is so new." She feels that the H1N1 virus is more serious than people are making it out to be.

This virus is a major concern to students because they live, work and study in close proximity, but surprisingly most do not trust the vaccine.

"I do not like shots therefore I am not getting the vaccine," said Alwine. When asking her if she would rather get a shot or have the flu, she chose the flu!
Cortney Ray, student at BC3 says she is getting a flu vaccine, however, not for the H1N1 virus in particular. Ray does not trust the new vaccine, but hopes to stay healthy. Ray is extremely worried about getting the swine flu or any virus, in general.

For updates and more information regarding the H1N1 virus, call The PA Department of Health, 1-877-724-3258.