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

I just found out on Tuesday that i am four weeks pregnant wiht my second. The first time, I didn't have too many symptoms, mainly extreme exhaustion and loss of appetite. This time, I have bad headaches and fatigue, but so far not as bad as last time. I'm a bit worried because I feel so great! what symptoms did/do you get during pregnancy? When do symptoms usually first start?

Unusual fatigue. I could sleep all day if I were able to. my breasts were hurting and I had wierd headaches. They started maybe in the end of the 1sth month..I remember how tired I was the most and my heart would pound harder if I got a bit winded going up the stairs for instance, something that never happened again after pregnancy..

omg b4 i confirmed my pregnancy i knew i was pregnant because i couldn't go near anything greasy that had been fried… the smell made me ill… i was 3 weeks at this point lol. then at about 5 to 6 weeks i was always exhausted no matter how much sleep i got. and then my breasts where so sore .. im 5 month now all of that's gone apart from my breasts that's getting worse lol good luck

im ten weeks and only had sore boobs for a couple of weeks fine now go 2 bed early nearly every night some nights the kids stay up with there dad and im catching zzzzzzzz s. apart from that ive not had anything else

i also had no symptoms wit im first but i am having everythg with my second,

I am 4 days Pragnant, i have cramps, and i have a very sore boobies.
They Been Sore for three days in a row.