A recent surge of flu cases on campus in late January and February has caused students to miss vital classes.
Dr. Jessica Ange, the medical director of Health Services at WCU urges all students to wash their hands frequently and to cover their mouths to contain germs, as well as get their flu vaccine. Health Services, located inside the Bird building, is currently offering the shot at no extra charge, according to Ange.
“There are antiviral medications that can be prescribed if the flu is caught early to help recover from the flu faster and prevent precautions,” said Ange.
Ange says that the recent outbreak is due to multiple factors. Cold weather brings more people indoors together and the influenza virus tends to live longer in cold, dry, environmental conditions.
The positive test rate for the flu peaked in the last week of January at 47% but as of February, it started to come down to 36%.
“We are hopeful that rates will continue to decline,” Ange said.
Jillian Ohl, a graphic design professor at WCU, has also noticed this outbreak and its effect on her students.
“The virus has made its way through our graphic design classes with fury,” Ohl said, “Last week and this week I would say I have an average of 3 students absent per class due to illness (which is more than usual). Our classes are usually 14-16 people and in class participation is crucial, so students only miss class when absolutely necessary.”
Another graphic design professor, John Seefeldt, has been out for two days with the flu as of Feb. 12.
“Some students have tried to come to class and I could visibly see they were sick so I sent them home,” Ohl said.
Everyone in the graphic design department is aware of the outbreak, so some students have been wearing masks, and Ohl encourages the students to constantly wash their hands. It is hard to tell if it’s the flu because most students do not get tested.
“Last week and this week I would say I have an average of 3 students absent per class due to illness (which is more than usual). Our classes are usually 14-16 people and in class participation is crucial, so students only miss class when absolutely necessary,” Ohl said.
“Yesterday to combat the dreary rainy weather and the sickness, I brought in tea and set up my electric kettle in class. It doesn’t help much but at least it’s cozy,” Ohl said.
Olive Whitesides, a WCU student who was recently sick missed more than half of their classes as well as two days of work.
Whitesides tried to go to Health Services, but they were too full.
Whitesides does not have the flu shot because they are allergic to some of the components in it.
Another student, Josh Hernandez, had the flu for about a week. He did not go to Health Services because of insurances issues. Hernandez also does not have the flu shot.
Health Services is also offering a new tool this year, an at-home flu and COVID-19 combination test for $10. If a student gets a positive diagnosis from the test, they should call Health Services to speak to a triage nurse and determine the next steps.
“There are antiviral medications that can be prescribed if the flu is caught early to help recover from the flu faster and prevent complications,” Ange said.
