The University Health Center has stopped booking routine appointments, as doctors there are bracing to take on one of the campus' worst flu outbreaks in recent memory.
Health center administrators say they've seen more than 400 flu cases in the first two weeks of the semester, and director Dr. Sacared Bodison said the unexpected spike in flu cases has caused about half of the center's clinical staff to drop specialized work and take up flu patients - a measure Bodison said the center hasn't taken in at least five years.
"Flu season has hit, and we're getting crammed," said Tina Thorburn, a nursing supervisor at the health center who is in charge of immunizations.
Doctors will continue to see students who require immediate medical attention, but they have stopped testing students for the flu before treating its symptoms, a move which officials said they expect would streamline care. With a short general staff, some have complained about the quality of care.
Sophomore psychology major Ariel Sternberg waited in line twice as long as usual before a doctor could diagnose her with mono last week. One of her sorority sisters was diagnosed with the flu at the health center before an outside physician discovered she really had bronchitis, Sternberg said.
"We just do what we have to do," said Dr. Gail Lee, clinical director at the health center, said. "Everyone is trying to pitch in and help. Some of us are working longer hours."
Health officials initially tried to locate the sources of the outbreak, but they failed to narrow it down to any specific dorms and they can't predict when it will subside, Lee said. "It's everywhere," she added.
The health center has a sufficient stock of flu shots, and officials expect to order more as supplies dwindle.
Lee said the flu has spread especially easily in the first days of spring classes, as students previously more isolated during break have come into increased contact with each other.
Jessi Gillet, a sophomore communication major got sick last week but avoided the health center. Instead, she took a few days off of school and went home to recuperate. Now ten other members of her sorority may also have the flu.
"I was so sick last week, and I didn't even go to the health center because I knew they couldn't help me," Gillet said.
Health center officials can treat flu patients with an anti-viral medication if they seek help within the first 48 hours after they contract the disease. After that, health care providers can still prescribe or recommend medications to help alleviate flu symptoms.
Most health officials offer students the same advice: "Wash your hands."
sleimandbk@gmail.com
Be the first to comment on this article!