The "typical" flu season is on its way although it feels as if flu season started in April and hasn't quit. And in the year of the pandemic H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu, it's more like flu season on steroids. As always, college and high school students face increased risk for the flu thanks to close quarters and increased interaction. Student-athletes are even more susceptible for the same reasons, so here is a look at how different athletic programs are handling the swine flu situation.
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Taking to Campus
The American College Health Association found 4,045 new cases of swine flu at 149 of the 204 participating schools last week, and 6,043 cases in the past two weeks. This data also does not include schools in Washington, Utah, Idaho, and Maine. Tulane University serves as an example that college athletes are ideal candidates for the flu--31 football players and six volleyball players believe they contracted swine flu. The football team canceled its Fan Day and the volleyball squad stayed home form its season opener in Nebraska. Duke University, Texas Christian University, and the University of Alabama are among the colleges hit hard by the flu early this fall season.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/29/sports/ncaafootball/29swine.html
Football Flu
College football grabs the biggest spotlight, and this year it has contracted its fair share of H1N1. Stillman College had to cancel its home opener when 37 players came down with symptoms, the University of Mississippi may have been bailed out by a bye week, and Washington State University took a hit to its roster and at the gates, as 5,500 fewer fans attended this year's home opener than last year.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gTShv_hxfovNv7C2H-StaRud6BKgD9AKO3VG0
The University of Wisconsin pulled out a double overtime win over Fresno State University last week despite 40 or more players displaying flu symptoms. At least one Badger played in the game before coming out due to illness. This raises questions about whether the team followed university guidelines for preventing the spread of swine flu.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/59570962.html
More Cancellations
Soccer became a casualty of flu season when Saint Leo University's women's soccer team cancelled two games last week after five of their players became ill.
Hands Off
In an effort to keep the flu at bay, the NCAA recommended that volleyball players forgo the pre- and post-match hand shake. Experts believe the measure will be largely ineffective.
High schools in New York City are also limiting hand-to-hand contact.
http://www.silive.com/news/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/1252927814170010.xml&coll=1
Take it Easy
Another hurdle for active and athletic students with the swine flu is that new research suggests exercising with the flu, especially strenuously for a prolonged period, could delay recovery.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-workout14-2009sep14,0,3391914.story
Stop the Spread
Swine flu may sound especially nasty, but preventing it comes down to practical advice similar to avoiding many illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released advice for High Schools.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/schoolguidance.htm
The CDC also released college specific advice.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/institutions/guidance/
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