The University Health Center has seen a decrease of about 74.4 percent in the number of H1N1 cases compared to last year.
Helene Vossos, nurse practitioner at UHS said 23 cases have been reported on campus so far this season — from the 90 cases in 2009-10. CMU is treating H1N1 prevention alongside the seasonal influenza virus.
“Rather than treating H1N1 individually, we are providing a seasonal vaccine that includes a protection (for H1N1),” Vossos said. “The influenza vaccine includes protection for influenza A, B and H1N1.”
Contributing to the quick spread of H1N1 last year was the similarity to the seasonal flu’s symptoms. Vossos said patients tend to have a fever, prominent headaches, muscle and joint aches, extreme exhaustion and sometimes a sore throat with sneezing and stuffy noses.
Holland sophomore Tyler Patterson was part of the unlucky bunch to contract H1N1.
Patterson had the Swine Flu for about two weeks last October. While at Ferris State University, the doctor told him he had the common cold. After displaying flu-like symptoms for the following week, Patterson received a second opinion back home, where he was diagnosed with the Swine Flu.
“Overall, this was the worst experience with sickness that I’ve ever had,” he said. “I just felt like a zombie the entire time because I was just so physically and mentally drained.”
Patterson said he dragged himself to class every day, but that was all the energy he had. While he does not know how he became infected, he recommends that people practice good hygiene and get the vaccine.
Vossos urged the same prevention habits. She also encouraged good health habits during the flu season, such as getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet.
The influenza vaccine is available in Foust Hall without restrictions, except if a person has an allergy to eggs or has a temperature over 100 degrees.
Orion freshman Andrea Secor is aware of the risks in being infected with any influenza virus, but refuses to get the vaccine.
“I don’t get (the vaccine) because I don’t like the idea of putting the influenza virus in my body on purpose,” Secor said. “I don’t do much to prevent it, though. I just act immediately when I feel symptoms coming on.”
If a student contracts the influenza virus, Vossos said to stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours, making sure to get plenty of rest and fluid. If symptoms continue, contact University Health Services in Foust Hall.
E-mail the author: Odille Parker