Although much of the country has focused its attention during the previous year on combating and preventing the H1N1 influenza virus, it is this time of year when a common variant of the flu makes its appearance.
Unlike past years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, have not seen any real seasonal flu activity just yet, although cases of H1N1 still are being reported, said Jeff Diamond, spokesman for the CDC.
“The latest numbers we have (from Dec. 18) are that there have been a total of 55 million cases with 11,160 deaths (from H1N1),” Diamond said. “We tell folks that there is a great window of opportunity as there is vaccine available. (Even though) you may think you have the sniffles, you may pass it along to someone who is more susceptible.”
The seasonal flu occurs mostly in the early winter through early spring, according to WebMD.com.
Common symptoms include congestion, sore throat and sneezing. Individuals with the flu are more likely to experience a high fever for several days, rather than those who have a cold.
And although H1N1 affects younger people more severely, the seasonal flu is most dangerous for those older than 65 years old, according to the CDC.
“This is the kicker with the flu: It is completely and unquestionably unpredictable,” Diamond said. “As far as getting people to heed our warnings (about H1N1), I think we did pretty well. We’ll call this a success.”
As much of the student body traveled home for the holidays, no-preference freshman Elise Jausmann said she began to come down with the sore throat and loss of energy, but disregarded the symptoms.
“In the beginning, I was just trying to fight it off and pretend I wasn’t sick,” Jausmann said. “That was dumb because I tried hanging out with other friends (during break) — I just got a lot sicker.”
To avoid such a worst-case scenario as being sick during the holidays, emergency preparedness health educator for the Ingham County Health Department Christine Hendrickson said students should stay home and monitor their health when affected by the seasonal flu.
“Once I came to terms of (the flu), I laid around and took my vitamins,” Jausmann said. “That’s all you really can do.”
Final words of advice from experts are to get comfortable, rest and take precautions before symptoms become worse. Those living in Ingham County, however, may be out of luck in obtaining a vaccine from the department directly, as the supply for the adult seasonal flu vaccine has been depleted.
“If people start feeling ill, we encourage students to stay home from class and rest,” Hendrickson said. “(You) should drink warm fluids, wash (your) hands and cover (your) coughs to limit exposure to others.”
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
