YSU offers students advice to avoid swine flu

Incoming freshmen didn’t seem to be overly worried about the flu.

YOUNGSTOWN — The federal government has told colleges to prepare for a breakout of the H1N1 (swine) flu this fall, even offering guidelines on how to keep sick students from infecting others in their dorms.

Youngstown State University has sent a memo to its campus community, pointing out that there hasn’t been any case of H1N1 on campus but there have been some cases in the surrounding community.

“Your best defense is to be proactive,” the memo said, advising readers to check the campus web site for information, where they will find such suggestions as:

U Avoid close contact with people who are sick, wash your hands often, don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

U Practice good health habits to keep your immune system strong, and do not go out when you are sick and contagious.

U Have your room stocked with a thermometer, box of tissues and over-the counter medicines that help you with flu symptoms such as fever, nausea, and diarrhea.

Students will get a letter next week advising them of the university’s plans to deal with possible cases of both seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus.

Students diagnosed with, or suspected to have influenza, should not go to class, should remain in their rooms and avoid contact with others until at least 24 hours after their fever ends, the letter says.

The students also are advised to follow the basic Web site guidelines to lower their risk of infection.

The university will alert students when they can receive the vaccine for seasonal flu on campus, and it will also offer the vaccine for H1N1 flu when one becomes available. Updates will come by campus e-mail.

Meanwhile, freshmen students coming onto campus didn’t seem overly concerned.

“I’m healthy,” offered Kelcie Herberger of New Springfield, adding that she isn’t worried about the flu.

“I’m not too worried about it,” said Gerald Murphy of Painesville.

“Wash your hands, wash your hands,” reminded his mother, Diann Murphy.

“I always wash my hands,” said Kathleen Gallagher of Massillon.

“I’m not too concerned about (the flu) either,” said her mother, Melanie Gallagher.