The Online Reflector

By Stephanie Snay | Distribution Manager

“I was convulsing. My bed was covered in my sweat; I was shivering, and moaning in pain,” freshman Andrew Loshnowsky said.

This has been a reality for an estimated 80 to 90 students from the University of Indianapolis who have been hit by the H1N1 pandemic.

President Obama declared H1N1 to be a national emergency on Oct 24. As the virus hits UIndy’s  campus, the Health and Counseling Center is trying to make sure that those who are suspected of having H1N1 either go home or remain isolated in order to prevent the infection of others.
Due to inaccuracy of the H1N1 tests, the university is not testing for the disease. However, the health center is treating all students with flu-like symptoms as if they  have H1N1.

“CDC [Centers for Disease Control] says if you have certain symptoms, it is H1N1 because this is not the time for our country to get the seasonal flu,” said Vicky Lynn Moran, director of student health and certified family nurse practitioner.

While just fewer than 100 students have been infected by H1N1, the question remains—why aren’t students being notified?

“I think a lot of times people are saying ‘I have H1N1’ but again we don’t know if it is in fact H1N1,” said Kory Vitangeli, dean of students.
However, if students are knowledgeable, potential problems such as an H1N1 outbreak could be better controlled, according to Moran.

“I want to educate people. I want people to say ‘Hey, it’s on our team now. The rest of you have got to be careful to wash your hands, use your hand sanitizer and stay away from sick people,” Moran said. “I don’t want to panic people, but its not panic if you educate them so they won’t get panicked and will do the right things.”

According to the CDC, almost all influenza viruses so far are H1N1 influenza A viruses. The Indiana State Department of Health reports seven H1N1 flu related deaths at Reflector press time in the state of Indiana.

“I think we are doing a good job here,” Moran said. “It [H1N1] didn’t start as soon as other universities were seeing it. Overall, I’m pleased with what people are doing.”

Hand sanitizer stations are available on campus, as well as posters to educate those on campus about preventing the pandemic.

“The physical plant has been taking a lot of extra care in the residence halls to make sure every day before they leave they disinfect the entire building, and we really think that has helped tremendously with cutting down on the spread of symptoms,” Vitangeli said.

According to the CDC, the most important factor in preventing the spread of flu is that those who have the flu should remain isolated until they are fever free for up to 72 hours.

Students that come into the health center and are suspected to have H1N1 will be told to go home if they live close enough, and if not, to isolate themselves. They are given a flu kit that includes a package of tissues, hand sanitizer, masks, disposable thermometers and some acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).

“We’re finding out that even though we’re telling students isolate themselves if they can’t go home, they’re not always doing that,” Moran said. “You can’t control them. We educate them [students] and give them information in hopes that they do what we ask.”

Moran e-mails professors and coaches of those told to isolate themselves.

Loshnowsky missed a week of school due to H1N1.

“My professors understood completely,” Loshnowsky said. “I had a huge test in anatomy and my professor took into account why I wasn’t there, so they’re really understanding. And my coach doesn’t want us to be there if we’re sick because then we’ll get the whole team sick.”

According to Vitangeli, UIndy won’t call in the Marion County Board of Health until there are 30 to 40 cases of H1N1 in one specific area, such as a certain dormitory.

The health department would then decide what to do from there.

“We haven’t had all of our cases in one area though,” Vitangeli said. “It’s been spread out. It’s been commuters and residents.”

A pandemic planning committee is working on a comprehensive plan for campus that covers all areas. This plan and more information can be found on the university’s flu Web site (alerts.uindy.edu/flu).

“The only time that Watchdog would be used is if it got so bad that the health department came in and told us to shut down, but we don’t anticipate that happening,” Vitangeli said.

UIndy is waiting on the H1N1 vaccinations which should be arriving soon. Both vaccines were ordered and will be given to students and faculty free of charge.

“With all of the backup and not being able to get it from the manufacturer, I’m starting to think it won’t be until the end of November,” Moran said. “I ordered both kinds, because I know some people don’t like the idea of a live vaccine and a lot of people can’t take that if they have asthma or diabetes.  I don’t know what will come first or how many, but it’s just all up in the air and I wish I knew, but I don’t.”

Until the 2,000 student doses and 500 faculty shots arrive, the normal seasonal flu vaccine is available in the health center for $20. This vaccine does not give immunity against H1N1, but can help prevent it.

The first symptoms of H1N1 can be mild.

“My first symptom was just a minor headache that progressed throughout the day and a sore throat,” Loshnowsky said.

The health center plans to continue educating students on proper hygiene in order to prevent the spread of H1N1 or any other illness.