H1N1 Flu Hits College Campuses
There has been so much attention on the H1N1 flu in my kid's school district. My daughter's middle school has reported two confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu, and there have been a tremendous number of kids out with flu-like symptoms. My daughter missed 2.5 days of school with flu-like symptoms. Schools are asking that children and teachers stay home if they are running a fever or have flu-like symptoms. Hand sanitizers are placed front-and-center in all stores. I have stocked up on hand sanitizers at home and given my best "mom speech" to the kids to wash their hands.
College campuses around the country are bracing for a potential outbreak of the H1N1 flu. The sudden rise in flu cases has some local colleges preparing for the rise in student absences. Currently the number of students and faculty out sick with the flu at the University at Buffalo and Hilbert College are low, but according to one article, both schools expect those numbers to rise.
The close confinement of students in college dorms increases the likelihood of spreading the virus. With college campuses spread out all over the place, it is difficult to control the spread of the virus. University officials have to take precautions. We have hand sanitizers all over the buildings," said Peter Burns, Hilbert College dean of students. "We have an isolation room if somebody comes down with severe symptoms or fever. We've actually had one student so far we've put in isolation--come to find out he's fine."
The online university is not affected in the same way. You will not be able to see a substantial drop in attendance due to H1N1 flu. If online students are affected by the H1N1 flu, university officials don't have to worry about students coming to campus sick and spreading the virus. With the new term just starting online, I'm not sure how the H1N1 flu well affect my courses this term, but I will definitely have more flexibility with students submitting assignments.
Source: College Campuses Tweak Attendance Policies for H1N1