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As of Monday, 300 Miami University students have been diagnosed with the swine flu, a strain of the seasonal influenza virus known as H1N1 at the Student Health Services Center, according to Dr. Gregory Calkins, medical director.
Students on college campuses are at high risk of acquiring the H1N1 virus, Calkins said, because students live in close quarters and interact with large numbers of people on a daily basis.
"The H1N1 vaccine will most likely be administered in the middle of October for a small charge," Calkins said. "A definite date has not yet been determined because the Centers for Disease Control have not determined how many vaccines will be available."
At this time, there is more interest in the seasonal influenza vaccine, Calkins said. The health center is offering the seasonal flu vaccine each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for $15 for the duration of the flu season. It will be administered on all three Miami campuses.
The seasonal influenza vaccine will be offered to students and faculty for the normal price of $15 at the Shriver Center on Monday, Oct. 5.
Calkins said he recommends getting both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.
"The strains are very unique so it is important to protect yourself from each virus by getting both vaccines," Calkins said.
Similar to the seasonal flu, H1N1 is spread person to person through coughing or sneezing. According to the Centers for Disease Control Web site, touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth can also spread H1N1.
Symptoms of the H1N1 virus include body aches, chills, fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and a runny or stuffy nose.
The CDC suggests washing hands before eating and after coming in contact with someone with the virus.
"I make sure to wash my hands before I eat because I know how easily viruses can be spread, especially on a college campus," senior Henry Engle said.
Senior Amanda Leonard said she is interested in the vaccines.
"I think it is important to get both vaccines, so I will try and get both just so I am protected from each strain," Leonard said.
In addition to Student Health Services, local pharmacies CVS, Kroger, and Walgreens are also offering the seasonal influenza vaccine for $25.
Junior Brittaney Gardner said she is glad to see the vaccine is offered at a variety of locations.
"It's great places like CVS and Kroger are offering the seasonal influenza vaccine because the students of Miami be able to get the vaccine and the Oxford community too," Gardner said.
