SWINE FLU OUTBREAK!!!

Good Afternoon!

It’s a dreary day today in Muncie, but at least it is relatively warm outside. The last 48 hours have been filled with contemplation about the much talked about H1N1 Virus, also known as…THE SWINE FLU. Whooooaaaaaa, the Swine Flu has officially, for a good while now, settled at Ball State. This summer I heard stories about this mystery flu and pictured mass pandemonium, people jumping out of windows, hordes of students running through the streets, and cars running off the road. Instead, what I see on campus is nothing but a completely normal October day. People still walk the streets, professors still give out the same amount of homework, and I for one still spend large chunks of time playing minesweeper on my computer when I need a tiny break in the day. I believe we’ve had several confirmed cases of the Virus on campus, and most recently, a fraternity brother of mine, who lives down the hall, in a house with 27 other college aged men, has been confirmed. (We refer to his room as the Swine Flu Epicenter).

Now, I need you to understand that I am NOT trying to dissuade you from coming to Ball State. My point is, through all the hubbub about this crazy Virus, that our Health Center on campus is one of the best there is. There is no other place, that I know of, better equipped to manage and care for sick students than the Ball State University Health Center. And believe me, I’ve been there plenty of times. As a freshman and sophomore, I had to visit the Health Center once a month to receive allergy shots. Since then, I have visited for cases of strep throat, the flu, and most recently, a series of rabies shots that I don’t really care to talk about in more depth. I’ve heard from friends at Purdue and IU and other Universities about their health centers, and I can say without a doubt that Ball State is the best there is. Although the wait during these times of year tend to get a little long (it all depends on when you go during the day), the staff and help that they are able to offer are excellent. Especially during a time filled with turmoil and swine-anxiety, knowing that I have the Health Center right on campus is comforting.

As far as I have heard, people who have been infected with the Virus have been ok. Depending on when they start taking medication, their symptoms are over in a few days to a week. I keep waiting for the Virus to hit me, especially living in a setting that is home to so many other people at such a close proximity - although, I suppose students all across the country in residence halls are running into the same problems. No use in complaining, bring it on, hit me with your best shot!