Flu outbreak worst in USC history
Health Center officials warn students against record high numbers of cases of influenza virus this season
Brad Maxwell
News Editor
Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: News
USCis experiencing a widespread case of the seasonal influenza virus.
"It's the worst outbreak of the flu the health center has ever seen," said Ashley Watts, program director of student wellness promotion.
According to Lauren Vincent, Public Relations Director for Student Health Services, the Thomson Student Health Center has seen approximately 400 students with the flu or flu-like illnesses since the spring semester began.
"Late last week and early this week we've experienced an influx in cases," Vincent said.
She said the number of outbreaks tends to increase during early February and this year outbreaks have been seen both nationally and close to home.
"Clemson University is having similar cases and caseloads, as well as other colleges around the southeast," Vincent said.
Debbie Beck, Director of Student Health Services, said in a news release that students need to recognize symptoms of the flu and seek treatment as soon as possible.
"Flu-like symptoms include a high fever, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and chills," Beck said.
Prescription antiviral drugs, like Tamiflu, are available at the Thomson Student Health Center Pharmacy. If taken within two days of getting sick, antiviral drugs can shorten the course of the illness, which can last days, Vincent said.
Students can make an appointment with a medical provider at the Thomson Student Health Center by calling (803) 777-3175.
Flu Prevention Tips
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Clean your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
"It's the worst outbreak of the flu the health center has ever seen," said Ashley Watts, program director of student wellness promotion.
According to Lauren Vincent, Public Relations Director for Student Health Services, the Thomson Student Health Center has seen approximately 400 students with the flu or flu-like illnesses since the spring semester began.
"Late last week and early this week we've experienced an influx in cases," Vincent said.
She said the number of outbreaks tends to increase during early February and this year outbreaks have been seen both nationally and close to home.
"Clemson University is having similar cases and caseloads, as well as other colleges around the southeast," Vincent said.
Debbie Beck, Director of Student Health Services, said in a news release that students need to recognize symptoms of the flu and seek treatment as soon as possible.
"Flu-like symptoms include a high fever, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and chills," Beck said.
Prescription antiviral drugs, like Tamiflu, are available at the Thomson Student Health Center Pharmacy. If taken within two days of getting sick, antiviral drugs can shorten the course of the illness, which can last days, Vincent said.
Students can make an appointment with a medical provider at the Thomson Student Health Center by calling (803) 777-3175.
Flu Prevention Tips
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Clean your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
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