In a press release sent out Monday morning, the H1N1 virus has been confirmed in one student.
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MARQUETTE -- It was only a matter of time, and now the H1N1 flu virus has hit the campus of Northern Michigan University.
University officials are confirming at least one student living in the dorms has the swine flu virus, and several other students are listed as probably ill with it.
For some students who found out about it Monday through a campus wide e-mail, it's concerning.
"I'm definitely concerned,” said student Becca Sage, “my parents are concerned, too; they call me all the time and make sure I keep washing my hands and that I’m not touching my mouth."
University Health Center Director Doctor Thomas Schacht says those with the H1N1 virus should be out of the classroom for only three to four days.
"I think the most important point is that they are recovering uneventfully,” said Schacht. “This is acting like a typical flu infection where they’re having a headache, body ache, cough, fever and chills, fatigue."
Schacht says because of NMU's size, there are no separate dorm rooms set aside for those who are sick. Students are just asked to wash their hands, cover their coughs and keep some distance away from those who are ill.
Another concern for students is vaccinations. Local doctors say immunizations won't be available until November. Because the college population appears to be more susceptible to this new strain of flu, doctors expect the number of cases at Northern only to rise.
For more information on the virus and how to protect yourself, visit our Health Matters page.
