Published October 01, 2009
Written by Grace Chen
As reported by CNN, according to a presidential advisory panel, the potential spread of the virus could contribute to as many as 90,000 U.S fatalities this season. Expected to break out in the fall, experts estimate that 30 to 50 percent of the U.S. population may become infected.
With the H1N1 spreading across college campuses from Washington to Massachusetts, community colleges are taking action to shelter their students from any potential outbreak.
Advisors further predict that schools and shared community areas pose the greatest threats for contamination and contagiousness. To prepare for an array of plausible H1N1-related challenges, community college leaders are avidly making plans to confront the virus on campus.
Community College Preparation for the H1N1 Virus
As reported by the Gazette News, Prince George Community College (PGCC), located in Largo, Maryland, is one of many community colleges making preparations against the H1N1 virus. Considering that Prince George Community College enrolls more than 40,000 students, leaders are concerned that the large number of students enclosed in shared common areas can lead to rapid virus outbreak. To proactively address the H1N1 threats, “The college has a pandemic team in place composed of about nine people from different departments.”
PGCC has developed guidelines to help the school employ specific responses for an array of potential H1N1 campus issues. For example, the leaders have established regulations for when and if the campus should shut down amidst an H1N1 outbreak and how many students should have confirmed cases before classes are cancelled.
PGCC instructors have also been asked to find a fellow colleague who could substitute in case a staff member is ill and unable to hold lectures. In addition, PGCC’s technology staff has even created programs to allow students to submit work online in case a student is ill and/or classes are cancelled.
Since early September, only eight students and staff members reported experiencing H1N1 symptoms; however, none of the actual illnesses have been confirmed to be the H1N1 virus. Despite this seemingly quiet start to the flu season, PGCC is ready to manage any potential outbreaks.
What Students Can Do to Protect Themselves from H1N1
While PGCC has certainly taken efforts to react to an outbreak of the H1N1, officials have also requested that students adhere to the following health and safety guidelines in order to prevent the spread of the illness:
- If a student or staff member has a fever, individuals are asked to stay off campus for at least 24 hours after the fever reduces.
- If any symptoms of the flu seem present, individuals should seek medical attention immediately.
- If any flu-like symptoms are present, individuals are encouraged to stay off campus until symptoms subside and/or until a doctor can confirm that the illness is no longer contagious.
Similarly, college campuses across the nation are hoping to educate students on matters of personal responsibility and illness prevention. For example, students enrolled at Macomb Community College, located near Detroit, Michigan, are being reminded of optimal strategies for health and well being: “At this time, good personal hygiene practices are still the best method of prevention, since influenza is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through the coughing or sneezing of infected people.”
Providing students with tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Maycomb Community College leaders are encouraging students to adhere to personal conduct guidelines such as:
-
Washing hands frequently
-
Washing or disposing of materials that may have come into contact with a cough or sneeze
-
Carrying and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers
-
Refraining from touching mucus membranes, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth
-
Avoiding coming into contact with others if experiencing symptoms of the virus
If students are concerned about their wellbeing or potential H1N1 symptoms, many community colleges provide individuals with free health clinic support and treatment. Additionally, most campuses are providing students and staff members with discount flu inoculations, often only charging individuals around $25 dollars or less for a shot. Although the flu shot will not guarantee avoidance from being infected with H1N1, medical experts and campus leaders are encouraging all campus members to be as proactive and responsible as possible.
Resources:
The Gazette News, “Community College Readies to Tackle Swine Flu,” available at http://www.gazette.net/stories/09172009/bowinew113824_32523.shtml
Maycomb Community College, “H1N1 Virus Update,” available at http://www.macomb.edu/Announcements/H1N1 Virus Update.htm
CNN, “Swine Flu Could Cause up to 90,000 U.S. Deaths,” available at http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/08/24/us.swine.flu.projections/index.html
Kirkwood Community College, available at http://www.kirkwood.cc.ia.us/site/index.php?p=24466
Read Related Attending College Articles:
- What to Expect Your First Semester of Community College
Learn what to expect in terms of classes and student life in your first semester of community college. - Do Community College Applicants Need to Take Enrollment Exams?
Learn about whether or not you may need to take an enrollment exam at your local community college, as well as the benefits these exams may provide to your academic career. - Transferring from Community College to a 4-year Institution
Learn about the steps you need to take to succesfully transfer from a community college to a 4-year institution. - How to Ensure Your Community College Credits Transfer to a 4 Year University
Make sure that your community college credits will transfer to your four year university by following these recommended strategies. - The Reverse Transfer Process
Learn about the reverse transfer process and how it can benefit your education. - Stuck on a Waiting List? How Community College Students Can Combat College Admission Freezes
More and more of today's community college students find themselves on waiting lists thanks to budget cuts. Learn about strategies you can take to get yourself off of waiting lists and into class. - Why Community College Students are Taking Classes at Midnight
To accommodate students' schedules, along with growing enrollment rates, community colleges are offering classes in the late evening. Learn more about why you may be taking midnight classes at a campus near you. - How Community Colleges are Coping with Double Digit Enrollment Growth
Learn about how community colleges are changing their campuses to accomodate for double-digit growth in student enrollment. - Should Community Colleges Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Enroll?
Learn about the controversy surrounding community colleges' admission policies regarding undocumented immigrants. - 3 Reasons Why Top Universities are Recruiting Community College Students
Learn about the growing trend amongst four-year universities to recruit from community college campuses. Enjoy an academic head start and a competitive edge against other applicants by starting first at community college. - Establishing Good Relationships with Instructors
Learn how to establish good relationships with community college instructors, and how they can be helpful for your academics. - Tutors and Academic Assistance for Community College Students
Learn about tutoring options and academic assistance for community college students. - Writing Assistance for Community College Students
Learn how to get essay and writing skills assistance in community college. - How to Avoid Community College Academic Probation
Learn about academic probation and dismissal, as well as the strategies you can enact to ensure you remain in good academic standing with your community college. - The Value of Mentoring Programs in Community College
Learn about the variety of mentoring programs available in community colleges, and why you may want to be involved as a mentee or mentor. - The Benefits of Community College Minority Mentoring Programs
Learn about how minority mentorship programs at community colleges are improving academic performance and graduation rates, as well as providing a medley of benefits. - Avoid the 3 Major Pitfalls of the First Year of Community College
Learn about how you can avoid the commonly experienced pitfalls students encounter in the first few weeks of community college, and ensure that you do not slip through the cracks. - Will You Graduate From Community College? Factors that Influence Success
Learn more about the factors that can influence whether you graduate from community college. - Should You Declare Academic Bankruptcy?
Learn about the benefits and disadvantages of academic bankruptcy and whether this option is right for your GPA and financial aid eligibility. - Enjoy Free Healthcare Services at Your Local Community College
Learn about the opportunities and free healthcare services available at your local community college. Whether you need dental, medical, or even physical therapy treatment, your local community college may be able to provide you with the care that you need, regardless of your budget. - How Community Colleges are Working to Stop Drunk Driving
Learn about the innovative programs, curriculum, and parades that community colleges are creating to prevent drunk driving on campus. - How to Get Help for Your DUI through Your Community College
If you are facing a DUI, your community college can be an excellent resource for affordable legal assistance and counseling programs. - Paid Drug Testing Trials: The Risks to Community College Students
Should you undergo the risks associated with paid drug testing trials both on and off your community college campus? Learn about the benefits and risks associated with these testing trials. - Earn Money and Accolades Through Community College Writing Competitions
Students who enjoy writing can earn published recognition and cash prizes through community college writing competitions. Learn about national contests, as well as how you can find local writing competitions near your community college. - Campus Living Options for Community College Students
Learn about the increasing number of campus living options for community college students. - Can Community Colleges Limit Your Right to Free Speech?
Learn about the legal cases brought against community colleges, who allegedly have been violating students' rights to freedom of speech. - Faith Based Initiatives at Community Colleges: Faux Pas or Politically Correct?
Learn about how religious intiatives at community colleges are growing in popularity and how these programs will impact the dynamics on campus. - Athletics in Community Colleges
Learn about athletics in community colleges - what sports are typically offered and their role in the student experience. - How to Meet New Friends While Playing Sports
Take advantage of the intramural sports opportunities offered at your local community college, including baseball, basketball, ping pong, and even rock climbing. - Professional Athletic Opportunities for Community College Students
Learn how community college can facilitate professional athletic opportunities for its students. - Run Towards the Finish Line with a Community College Marathon
For novice and competitive runners alike, community colleges across the country offer fun marathon events, as well as an opportunity to join collegiate marathon teams. - Top 3 Reasons to Join a Debate Club to Benefit Your Career
Consider three of the best reasons to join your community college's debate club to further your future career and job opportunities. - Choosing Electives for a Rounded Education
Learn how choosing electives can be enjoyable and professionally beneficial. - The Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer in Community College
Consider these five reasons, ranging from resume benefits to professional opportunities, to volunteer during your time in community college - Alternative Spring Break: Programs and Opportunities
Instead of visiting a party destination this spring break, consider attending educational and philanthropic opportunities offered through your community college. - Support for ESL Students in Community College
Learn about the support programs available for ESL students in community college. - North Carolina Community Colleges: Pioneering Increased Enrollment and Early Graduation Rates
Learn about how North Carolina's community colleges have created innovative programs that not only increase student enrollment, but give high school students an opportunity to attend courses on campus tuition-free. - How to Find the Best Community College for Your Unique Hearing Needs
If you have specific hearing needs, finding a supportive community college campus is critical. Learn about what to look for in a community college and what programs across the nation are providing innovative resources to those with hearing impairments. - Which Community College is Best for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
For students with autism spectrum disorder, community colleges across the country can provide excellent higher education support. Learn about how to choose the right community college that specifically meets the needs of ASD students. - The Secret Signs of Undiagnosed Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
Learn about the symptoms of Adult ADD and ADHD, and how an undiagnosed disorder may impact your academic, social, and professional endeavors. - Community College Students Need Parent Encouragement
Learn tips on how to support your child during during their transition to community college. - Community College Counseling: Academic and Personal Support
Your community college is an excellent resource for support; learn about the academic and emotional support available to you on campus. - The Benefits of Community College Clubs
Learn about the benefits of participating in clubs at community college. - Studying Abroad During Community College
Learn about the benefits of studying abroad during community college. - Benefits of Internships for Community College Students
Build your professional and academic career with internships. Learn how to find the right internships through your community college campus. - Does Your Community College Allow Guns on Campus?
Learn about the new proposals and regulations that may allow students to carry handguns on community college campuses. - Campus Safety on Community Colleges
Learn about how you can stay safe and secure on your community college campus - Finding Childcare on Community College Campuses
Learn how you can balance the roles of being a student and a parent by securing child care assistance on campus. - Wellness Opportunities at Community Colleges
Learn about the different opportunities for improving your health and wellness at community college. - Get Better Grades in Community College by Being Social
Learn about the research that shows how participation in community college boosts student performance and success. - How Community Colleges are Inspiring Young Girls to Soar to Success
Learn about how community colleges are introducing programs that inspire young girls to achieve more academically, socially, and emotionally.
All Categories:
Featured Partners:
