Colleges take precautions to protect students from H1N1

Special Section: Swine Flu

With school in session, classes aren’t the only things on some students’ minds.

H1N1 is now part of the vocabulary on local college campuses.

“It is a problem. The college has sent us a lot of e-mails telling us how to prepare and if we feel sick, to stay home,“ said Nicole Tella, a student at Rhode Island College.

RIC officials say communication is the key.

“We’re just constantly updating our campus community with messages to our faculty staff and students, on the latest information,“ said Jane Fusco of Rhode Island College.

A few weeks ago, a female student was instructed to go home after being infected with H1N1.

“We also advise them to stay at home and rest and not return to classes or the dorms unless they are at least 24 hours fever-free,“ Fusco said.

The student returned to campus and is doing fine. No other cases have been reported.

But going home may not be an option for students who live out of state.

If that’s the case at the University of Rhode Island, the protocol is self-isolation.

“If a student lives on campus, we’ve created something called an iso-pack that someone can get for them from dining services. It includes three days worth of non-perishable food and beverage,“ said Dr. Fred Procopio of URI Health Services.

Administrators at both schools are also asking faculty to be flexible.

“We’re asking them to understand that some students can’t be in class and asking them to listen to students and take them at their word,“ Fusco said. “There may be some of these lapses where there will be ill students out and to make provisions for them in your syllabus.“

Students say H1N1 has become part of their college experience.

“They tell us about it every day, H1N1. We have signs posted up everywhere, wash your hands,“ said URI student John Raymond.

Said URI student John Bartlett: “They have those Purell things outside every room you walk out of. So, squirt it in your hand and rub it in.“