By Amanda Free

Due to the grim predictions for this year’s flu season, many University of Louisville students will soon be lining up to receive their flu shots.  However, these shots may not protect them from the 2009 H1N1 virus, formerly known as swine flu. The vaccine for this should be available sometime this fall.
According to information from a presidential advisory committee, the 2009 H1N1 virus has the potential to infect 30 to 50 percent of the United States’ population and cause between 30,000 and 90,000 deaths this flu season.  At high risk are children and young adults. 
“It’s terrifying,” said Jessamine Prichard, a junior communication major. “I live on campus. We’re always told that we’re at a higher risk during flu season, but it sounds like this year will be even worse.” 
“We’re doing everything we can to raise awareness and keep the students safe,” said Denise Fitzpatrick of U of L’s communication and marketing office. 
This attempt to raise awareness includes the distribution of flyers and the development of a new Web site listing the symptoms of H1N1 and information on where to get treatment. 
According to the new Web site developed by U of L to inform students about H1N1, the symptoms of the virus are similar to those of the seasonal flu.  They may include a fever of over 100 degrees, a cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, fatigue, body aches and possibly vomiting or diarrhea.  If a student notices these symptoms, he or she is advised to follow the CDC guidelines for avoiding contact with others and see a doctor as soon as possible.
To avoid the H1N1 virus, students should wash their hands frequently, either with soap and warm water or one of the many bottles of hand sanitizer purchased and distributed by U of L. In addition, students are advised to cover their coughs and sneezes, avoid contact with others who are sick and maintain a clean work and home environment. 
 “I think it’s great that they’ve got these sanitizer bottles everywhere,” said Lauren Ferguson, a sophomore English major. “It seems like they’re really trying to keep this flu season from getting really bad.”
“H1N1 is really supposed to hit hard,” said Fitzpatrick. “We want to make sure students have the resources to keep them safe.”
 Students wishing to learn more about the 2009 H1N1 virus and how to prevent infection should visit louisville.edu/update/flu/h1n1/.