With the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus, ravaging through the United States with an estimated 17, 855 reported cases, people are taking preventative measures to stop the spread of germs.
“I think that unfortunately, the spread is inevitable, but that we can all do things to mitigate the spread of the virus. For one, we can all keep good hygiene standards and increase hand-washing,” said sophomore political science major Kyle Simmons. “But most importantly, people shouldn't be afraid to come forward if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this H1N1 virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in North American pigs. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different. It has two genes from flu viruses. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that many people do not have immunity to this disease because it is a new virus. As a result, the spread was unforeseeable.
One of those unforeseeable cases was on Howard University’s campus. On May 4, 2009, The Hilltop reported that a student traveled to Mexico for Spring Break and returned with swine flu-like symptoms. Although the student tested positive when screened originally, further testing by the CDC revealed that the student was not affected by the H1N1 virus.
Another student, however, later came forth with symptoms and tested positive for the virus.
“The D.C. Department of Health has reported one confirmed case of H1N1 Influenza involving a Howard University student. At this time, no additional cases have been reported on campus,” said Thomas Gaiter, medical director at Howard University Hospital (HUH).
A recent report by the CDC shows that 33 cases have been confirmed in the District of Columbia, 90 in Virginia, and 139 in Maryland.
Doctors are working to decrease the possibility of this virus becoming even more deadly by educating the global community regarding the virus. While the virus is not likely to spread during the summer season, students should be prepared to see a resurfacing of cases in the fall.
Gaiter stated Howard University Hospital physicians have been called upon by various media entities to respond to questions regarding symptoms, treatment options and prevention.
“The production of a vaccine to treat H1N1 Influenza is currently underway according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may be available by the fall season,” said Gaiter.
According to Gaiter, to reduce the risk of infection, cover your cough/sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue. If you feel sick, monitor yourself for flu-like symptoms, avoid close contact with other people and contact your physician as necessary. Hand hygiene (includes hand-washing or the use of hand sanitizers) is very important in preventing the spread of infection and you should therefore remain conscious of this basic prevention method.
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