ONU Expert: Professor of biology and medical doctor
Monday, November 02, 2009
Dr. Michael Pyle, ONU professor of biology and medical doctor
The news states college students are in the highest risk bracket for the H1N1 flu virus. Why is this true?
College campuses create an environment where we are population dense and congregate frequently in groups. This presents opportunity for infectious diseases that would like to eat us for lunch.
At present, there are 3 notable infectious diseases on the prowl.
It is of course flu season and we expect the typical non-H1N1 flu to make its usual rounds. You can protect yourself by getting a flu shot as well as the newly released H1N1 shot.
How is H1N1 different than the run-of-the-mill flu virus that spreads every winter?
Distinct from this risk is influenza produced by the H1N1 virus. This virus hijacks the immune system so, unlike the ‘typical’ flu the better your immune system, the more susceptible you are! So, college students, beware!
Is this really a new virus, or has it been around before?
The last time the world experienced an H1N1 pandemic was 1918. A third of the world’s population was sickened and perhaps as many as 20 percent of those died … a hundred million people!
We have much better means of supporting critically ill people these days, so that mortality rate is not likely to be repeated, at least not in the USA. Having a vaccine is also a factor in making this time around less fatal.
You should carefully follow advisories from the university and your doctor. If you feel ill, suspect H1N1. Try to protect others by avoiding coughing in their presence and washing your hands frequently.
Another ‘germ’ in the news has been MRSA. What is this and how do we prevent it?
This is pronounced ‘mersa’ and stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Staph aureus has shown an impressive capacity to acquire resistance to most antibiotics.
Originally, this bacteria seemed to be a mutant confined to hospitals but is now a common resident of our skin. It produces unusual and often multiple and recurring abscesses.
It is treatable but not easily eradicated. Your best defense is to take special precautions in high risk environments like the Fitness Center and locker rooms. Wash down the equipment between users and wash your hands — just what Mom said all along!