Classroom Publication

Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: Health

Kayla Lenski, a UAlbany senior, discusses her take on the current threat of Swine Flu

In the early weeks of October, Swine Flu hit the University at Albany campus when two confirmed cases were reported amongst student athletes. Since then, the university has been forced to take measures in order to prevent the virus from becoming widespread among the student population. Despite the efforts of the school to control this form of influenza, students continue to partake in behaviors that are known to spread germs and illness--more specifically, on the weekends when they adopt a carefree mindset.

As of Nov. 18, almost 2000 UAlbany students had received the vaccine for H1N1, according to Peter Vellis, Medical Director of the University Health Center.

"If half of all UAlbany students were vaccinated, disease activity would be cut by almost 70% on campus," Vellis wrote in an e-mail to students.

Still, some students remain unfazed by the threat of H1N1 and have yet to add getting vaccinated to their "to-do" list.

"I was told that the Swine Flu is pretty much like the regular flu," said Kayla Lenski, 21, a senior who has not gotten the vaccine. "I've never had the regular flu so I guess I'm not intimidated by [H1N1] because I don't know how bad it really is."

In his e-mail Vellis encouraged students to get vaccinated and to promote the vaccine to their friends. Despite his message, there are still students who have no plans to receive it.

"I never get sick," said senior Will Muniz, 23. "I don't see it as being a huge risk factory and [it's] not my top priority."

Clinics continue to be offered to those under the age of 24 or with medical complications, as they are thought to be most at risk.


"Most of the population does not have immunity to Swine Flu," said Lisa Donohue, the Director of the University Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

In addition to offering clinics, there has been a widespread effort to increase awareness by displaying posters throughout the campus explaining key tips in avoiding sickness. Such tips include washing hands frequently, avoiding sick people, and coughing and sneezing into a tissue.

Hand-sanitizer stations have been made available throughout campus through the combined efforts of Student Success, the University's Pandemic Planning Committee, and the University Health Center. These stations are scattered around the academic podium.



With the constant advisement of the University, students may do their part to stop the spread of germs during the week while on campus, but at bars and parties on the weekends, it's a different story. With intentions to escape stress, UAlbany students will often head to the downtown area--a hotspot for crowded college bars and parties--and drink with friends.

For senior Kathy Meyer, 21, the spread of germs is not a concern while she's at the bar.

"I'm not really thinking about that when I go," she said. "I'm just trying to have a good time."

Meyer was vaccinated in October but even before then she was not concerned about Swine Flu. From what she has witnessed, she does not seem to be the only student neglecting health risks while enjoying herself on weekends.

"That's probably the last thing on their minds," she said.

Albany bars are known to get so packed that it would be impossible for students to keep a safe six foot distance from others who could be sick. In addition to these unfavorable conditions, students may partake in a number of high-risk behaviors while out drinking, making themselves even more vulnerable to germs.

"I see people sharing drinks," Meyer said. "I see people making out. I mean, maybe they know each other… but probably [not] and they just met."

Even if students make the conscious effort not to share their drinks with others, drinking itself can be risky. As students become intoxicated, germ avoidance is a concern that gets put on hold.

"If they're intoxicated, they're not more cautious about spreading germs," Meyer said. "They're not really thinking about that"

Bathrooms at Albany bars and house parties have been known to be poorly maintained. Sinks clog, toilet paper is scarce, and soap is a luxury. This makes it challenging for students to wash their hands and keep clean.

"Honestly, one of my major pet peeves is when they don't have soap-it just grosses me out," said Lenski.

In cases such as these, hand sanitizer is a handy alternative to soap and water, but this is not always something that students can manage to carry with them.

"It's horrible," Meyer said of the bathrooms she has used. "I don't have room in my bag for hand sanitizer, so I guess that's not good."

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