The CDC tells us that there is widespread 2009 novel H1N1 influenza activity in 41 states and that the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to increase.Many of you have begun implementing strategies on your campus to minimize the spread of the flu, including self-isolation of faculty, staff, and students with flu-like symptoms. The CDC suggests that nearly all flu cases right now are 2009 novel H1N1 infections.
Recently, I published a brief article in a publication called The Global Pages on my home campus that lays out the basic science needed to understand what's going on. It's not a detailed report of the current status or all the complicated virology and epidemiology involved. It's just a basic foundation of essential terms and key concepts about viruses, public health management, and this particular flu strain. And why it's not really "swine flu" in the strictest sense, anyway. It's directed at the average student (not particularly science students).
I'm sharing it because it may help you answer those inevitable questions that your students may have. Feel free to share it with your students.
Novel H1N1--A Global Health Threat
Kevin Patton
The Global Pages Vol. 10 (No. 1) Fall 2009 St. Charles Community College
[A PDF-format handout that you can read and/or share with your students. Click here for a SWF-format file that you can embed in a PowerPoint slide or a course web page.]
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