Ohio University's strategy to fight the H1N1 virus shifted this winter from a campaign focused on personal hygiene to a push for students and employees to receive vaccinations.
H1N1, commonly known as swine flu
is a strain of seasonal flu with symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, aches, vomiting and fatigue.
OU received 7,000 total doses of the vaccine, but only about 2,300 have been administered so far, said David Hopka, assistant vice president for Safety and Risk Management.
We really pushed hard on getting the vaccinations he said.
The relatively low number of administered doses could be due to a lack of concern among students about H1N1 because of a low number of cases, Hopka said.
OU had one confirmed case of H1N1 in October, but administrators have said it is hard to gauge the number of cases in Athens because so many go unreported.
It never rose to any sort of a crisis level Hopka said. The campus was largely spared.
The signs and posters advocating hand washing and cough etiquette last quarter had some effect, said Caleb Miller, a freshman studying music therapy. He has not received the vaccination yet but plans to do so.
About half the people I know are vaccinated
he said.
Hopka said the focus will shift to vaccination this quarter, but hygiene will still be emphasized.
Even though the number of cases has dropped dramatically, the epidemic may not be over, Hopka said.
Public health officials remain concerned
he said. Epidemics like this historically go through one or more cycles.
Hudson Health Center will offer seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines tomorrow from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The H1N1 vaccine is free to all faculty, staff and students.
The College of Osteopathic Medicine also holds clinics for Athens community members every Tuesday and Thursday.
1
News
30353a.jpg
