((((“This disease will go through a 12-week wave, and at the peak, the numbers will be unbearable,” Dr. Palinkas said.
He added that the University is currently in week three of the 12-week wave.)))))
Updated September 16th, 2009 - 11:35 PM http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2009/09/16/dr-robert-palinkas-address-student-senates-swine-flu-concerns
Dr. Robert Palinkas, director and clinical assistant professor of internal medicine, visited Illinois Student Senate (ISS) Wednesday to discuss recent concerns of the H1N1 virus on campus.
He said around 500 people have been infected by the virus, though some people who have the illness have not attended McKinley Clinic to be medically evaluated, he added. He said he believes at the worst, around 1000 students may contract the illness.
Dr. Palinkas said H1N1 virus was not that much different than a seasonal flu. He added the groups who are at risk are those who have had a previous condition.
“This is flu, this is what we are experiencing,” Dr. Palinkas said. “Almost everybody (infected) will have four days of misery.”
Dr. Palinkas said those who contract the illness will have the usual fever and cough before they recover from the illness. However, he said he urged students to remain isolated until they are free from the contagious period. The usual safe period for isolation is around seven days.
“This disease will go through a 12-week wave, and at the peak, the numbers will be unbearable,” Dr. Palinkas said.
He added that the University is currently in week three of the 12-week wave.
Another subject Dr. Palinkas spoke of was the academic effects of the virus.
He said those who were infected came to McKinley to receive documentation. Dr. Palinkas added the best thing to do was to contact the faculty for the classes that were missed.
Flu Hitting Some Local Schools 9/16/09
Jay Hendricks
CBS 7 News
September 16, 2009
Big Spring/Odessa/Monahans - Some schools districts across West Texas are beginning to see the effects of the H1N1 flu, causing some to miss class.
Monahans schools seem to be getting hit the hardest right now.
The superintendent tells CBS 7 that there has been a 9% increase in absences or about 175 students reported out.
He says the school district is working to prevent the spread, and get students back in class.
In Big Spring, officials say they haven’t seen a huge increase, and feel right now they’ve been spared.
In Ector County, some cases have been reported
Health officials say if your child is sick, see a doctor, and keep your children away from school.
http://www.cbs7kosa.com/news/details.asp?ID=15010