H1N1 Flu 101: Simple Steps Students Can Take to Reduce Their Risk This Semester

Monday, September 21, 2009

(WYNNEWOOD, Pa.)—As college students head back to campus this semester, many are worried about getting more than just good grades—they are increasingly concerned about developing the H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu. Because colds and viruses are passed along from person to person, living or working in close quarters such as dorm rooms and lecture halls poses unique health risks for the college age population. The good news is that with some simple precautions, students can drastically reduce their risk for developing the H1N1 virus – keeping themselves healthy and happy throughout the fall season.

According to Kay Kerr, MD, Family Practice physician from Bryn Mawr Hospital, flu viruses are spread by contact with droplets sneezed or coughed from an infected person. “Inhaling the droplets is the most common route of getting the flu, but many people also become infected by touching objects on which droplets have landed. What’s more, it is possible to spread the virus to others before you feel sick yourself,” she says.

So how can students protect themselves from developing the flu and spreading it to those around them? Dr. Kerr recommends the following tips:

Wash your hands: In addition to living and working in close quarters, students frequently share phones and keyboards, as well as access communal bathrooms and kitchens. Hand-washing is the most important thing they can do to reduce their chances of catching the flu or other infection. The proper method of hand-washing is simple – wash frequently with soap and warm water, for at least 15 to 20 seconds (as long as it takes to recite the ABC’s). If you don’t have access to soap and water, consider carrying an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you at all times.
Use Tissues, Then Toss Them: Who knows what’s hidden in the depths of a college student’s backpack. Dr. Kerr recommends discarding tissues immediately after use. Never stuff them into your pocket or your bag.
Avoid People Who Look Ill and Stay Home From Class When You’re Sick: Catching the flu or other infection is hand-to-hand combat. Just by shaking the hand of someone who has the flu, there’s a greater risk you’ll become ill. All it takes is brief exposure, then you rub your eyes, nose or mouth – and you’re infected. Students should avoid person-to-person contact with people who are ill, as well as sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils with someone who has a cold. Alternately, students should stay home from class when they are sick. Call your professor, ask a friend to bring home your assignments and stay out of the library.
Eat a Balanced Diet and Get Plenty of Rest: It might seem counterintuitive – especially to a college student – but eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of rest are two of the simplest things they can do to avoid getting sick. Dr. Kerr suggests eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, but for college students in particular, it’s not a bad idea to take one multivitamin each day. Additionally, students should try to get as much rest as possible – ideally, seven to nine hours per night – as being run-down makes you much more susceptible to developing a cold or other infection. If this is unrealistic, try squeezing in a cat nap of 15 minutes once or twice a day.
Keep Stress in Check: College students report having some of the highest levels of stress, but stress can greatly lower your immunity to colds and flu. To avoid getting “stressed out,” Dr. Kerr recommends exercising regularly and not allowing tension to build. If you need to, reach out to your college’s counseling department for tips on how to manage stress and stay healthy.

Although the flu cannot be prevented—or cured—college students can take simple precautions like the ones above to reduce their chance of infection. Dr. Kerr suggests checking with your university’s health care provider and/or student housing department to review their flu response plan and see how they are advising students to stay healthy throughout the semester.

For more information about H1N1 prevention, please visit the Main Line Health Web site at www.mainlinehealth.org/fluinfo.

About Main Line Health
Main Line Health (MLH) is a non-profit health system serving portions of Philadelphia and its western suburbs. The mission of Main Line Health is to provide a comprehensive range of safe, high-quality health services, complemented by related education and research activities that meet the healthcare needs and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.

Founded in 1985, MLH includes Bryn Mawr Hospital, Lankenau Hospital, Paoli Hospital, Riddle Hospital, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital; The Home Care Network; Lankenau Institute for Medical Research; Main Line HealthCare (physician network); Main Line Health Centers; Main Line Health Laboratories; Mid County Senior Services; and Mirmont Treatment Center. Main Line Health is part of Jefferson Health System (JHS), founded in 1996, whose members also include Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and Magee Rehab.

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