Moderation is best with most things — even if it’s worrying about swine flu, or H1N1.
Students at Binghamton University have been urged to stay home from class if they present any symptoms of swine flu, such as high temperature, body aches or chills (see Page 1). As up to three Syracuse University students have shown symptoms consistent with the case definition of the virus, they’ve been counseled to socially isolate themselves, according to SU’s student newspaper, The Daily Orange. The message is clear: that the disease is a serious threat on college campuses and not something to be taken lightly. We therefore commend Provost Mary Ann Swain and Binghamton University professors for giving students permission to stay home, and setting up alternate ways to handle class attendance and examinations, instead of forcing us to attend class anyway and potentially spread harmful germs.
With this policy, however, comes the potential for abuse. Now that professors have fulfilled their responsibility in protecting the campus, it’s up to students to carry out ours.
The policy is not carte blanche to not go to class whenever you feel like it, whether it be for a runny nose or that really great party last night. You never know when you could actually get sick, and being the “boy who cried wolf” will only make things harder for others. Students need to be responsible and remain informed about the disease, and that includes not skipping class because you feel sick only to go out with your friends later that night. Not to mention the fact that if you have an early case of the flu or something like it, you’re still spreading it with your friends.
Be smart, and take the necessary measures to reduce the spread of the disease, such as washing hands often, practicing good respiratory etiquette and getting plenty of rest.
If you think you have symptoms consistent with swine flu, go to Health Services. They are the foremost experts on campus and can determine if what you’re suffering from is really H1N1, the regular flu or a cold. There’s no reason to depend on Web MD or the other assorted online medical sources, most of which can convince anyone they have every disease known to man. Be smart.
As long as people remain reasonable, there’s no cause to panic.