U.S. colleges, universities prepare for swine flu

The federal government is giving colleges and universities some advice on how to deal with swine flu outbreaks on campus this fall.

The close quarters that most college students live in means there are special concerns about what to do if the virus starts spreading.

The government is recommending students bring thermometers, avoid class and dining halls if they’re sick, and if they can, go home to recover.

It’s also encouraging colleges and universities to offer vaccinations when they’re available and asking them to be flexible.

The government is also telling universities if they have space for temporary dorm rooms for sick students they should consider using them.

At Louisiana State University, where 20 sorority sisters got sick, they’re ramping up on disinfectants.

“We have antibacterial lotion everywhere and Clorox wipes and everyone has been wiping down their rooms,“ said LSU student Katie Murphy.

If the virus is worse than expected, universities may need to isolate sick students for a week, ask high-risk students to stay home, figure out how to get assignments and meals to sick students and even suspend classes and public events, including football games.

The government is also asking schools to bend the rules a little and forget about doctor notes because depending on how this virus hits, doctors may be overwhelmed.

It plans to spread the guidelines to college students via Facebook, Twitter and other social networking technologies popular with young adults.