Swine flu still an issue for students
Shawna Kaiser
Issue date: 2/1/10 Section: News
Since the spread of the H1N1 flu hit Chicago in April of last year, young people need to take extra precautions to keep their bodies healthy.
According to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), since April 2009, there have been at least 921 flu-related hospitalizations and 24 flu-related deaths in the city.
According to the Mayo Clinic staff, H1N1, popularly known as swine flu, is a "respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus first recognized in spring 2009. The new virus, which is officially called swine influenza A (H1N1), contains genetic material from human, swine and avian flu viruses."
"When we look at the data by age of the patient, we can see that this new strain of flu is striking children and young adults at a far greater rate than seasonal influenza does," said Tim Hadac of the CDPH.
Students may believe that they are exempt from the new flu strain because they're young and take care of themselves through healthy eating and exercise. However, this strain has no prejudice and will strike the young, the old, the healthy, and the weak.
"While the 'second wave' of the pandemic peaked in early/mid-November and the number of newly diagnosed cases has dropped sharply since then, there may possibly be a third wave of cases this spring," Hadac said. "Therefore, everyone should get vaccinated."
For some, this information doesn't move them to the closest CVS or doctor's office.
"I'm not concerned about the H1N1 flu, because I would get the best care available through my insurance if I got sick. I know I won't die, because I'm a healthy, strong woman and I take care of myself," said Amanda Urteaga, 34, a MFA DePaul alum from Chicago. "However, if I had a child, or if I were an elderly person, then I would get vaccinated because it's obviously more dangerous for these age groups."
For others, this is the first year they have gotten the H1N1 vaccination.
"Even though I feel strong enough for the flu, I was motivated to get vaccinated after hearing about how fast the H1N1 flu spread," said Otis Lewis, 38, a recruiter for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. "I wanted to be safe."
"The take-away message for young adults is that the H1N1 flu is not to be taken lightly," Hadac said.
Vaccinations can be found at doctors' offices, clinics, retail pharmacies and campus health services amongst other places.
"Vaccinations are typically sold at a relatively low cost-anywhere from $15-$25-or they are free if administered by a public health department," Hadac said. "In Chicago, you can find out where to get a free vaccination by calling 311."
In addition to getting a flu vaccination, CDPH, advises all Chicagoans to make an extra effort to cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands regularly with soap and water, stay home from work and/or school if influenza-like symptoms (coughing, sore throat and a fever) occur and for parents to teach these good health habits to their sons and daughters.
More local information on flu prevention can be found at http://www.cityofchicago.org/swineflu.
According to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), since April 2009, there have been at least 921 flu-related hospitalizations and 24 flu-related deaths in the city.
According to the Mayo Clinic staff, H1N1, popularly known as swine flu, is a "respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus first recognized in spring 2009. The new virus, which is officially called swine influenza A (H1N1), contains genetic material from human, swine and avian flu viruses."
"When we look at the data by age of the patient, we can see that this new strain of flu is striking children and young adults at a far greater rate than seasonal influenza does," said Tim Hadac of the CDPH.
Students may believe that they are exempt from the new flu strain because they're young and take care of themselves through healthy eating and exercise. However, this strain has no prejudice and will strike the young, the old, the healthy, and the weak.
"While the 'second wave' of the pandemic peaked in early/mid-November and the number of newly diagnosed cases has dropped sharply since then, there may possibly be a third wave of cases this spring," Hadac said. "Therefore, everyone should get vaccinated."
For some, this information doesn't move them to the closest CVS or doctor's office.
"I'm not concerned about the H1N1 flu, because I would get the best care available through my insurance if I got sick. I know I won't die, because I'm a healthy, strong woman and I take care of myself," said Amanda Urteaga, 34, a MFA DePaul alum from Chicago. "However, if I had a child, or if I were an elderly person, then I would get vaccinated because it's obviously more dangerous for these age groups."
For others, this is the first year they have gotten the H1N1 vaccination.
"Even though I feel strong enough for the flu, I was motivated to get vaccinated after hearing about how fast the H1N1 flu spread," said Otis Lewis, 38, a recruiter for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. "I wanted to be safe."
"The take-away message for young adults is that the H1N1 flu is not to be taken lightly," Hadac said.
Vaccinations can be found at doctors' offices, clinics, retail pharmacies and campus health services amongst other places.
"Vaccinations are typically sold at a relatively low cost-anywhere from $15-$25-or they are free if administered by a public health department," Hadac said. "In Chicago, you can find out where to get a free vaccination by calling 311."
In addition to getting a flu vaccination, CDPH, advises all Chicagoans to make an extra effort to cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands regularly with soap and water, stay home from work and/or school if influenza-like symptoms (coughing, sore throat and a fever) occur and for parents to teach these good health habits to their sons and daughters.
More local information on flu prevention can be found at http://www.cityofchicago.org/swineflu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Tim Hadac
posted 2/09/10 @ 9:53 AM CST
If I may respond to Ms. Urteaga's assertion---it may be true that Ms. Urteaga is as healthy as she says she is---and she adds that she has health insurance. (Continued…)
Insurance Quotes Flu Update
posted 2/11/10 @ 8:10 PM CST
Yea the amount of flue cases have actually increased but the news coverage has decreased since it doesn't help ratings very much. So people think the threat is over but keep washing those hands. (Continued…)
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