The H1N1 virus continues to spread throughout the country, and Auburn's campus is no exception.
There have been 200 reported cases of H1N1, according to Dr. Fred Kam, director of the AU Medical Clinic.
"We see about 15 to 20 patients a day with H1N1 and another 60 to 90 with other respiratory illnesses," Kam said. "We expect to see this number stay steady over the next few weeks."
Students who live on campus who have been diagnosed with the virus have been isolated at the Extension dorms, with the exception of those in the Village who have their own rooms.
Due to the publicity this flu strain has generated in the national and local media, some students feel anxious about the possibility of coming down with swine flu.
"The prospect of contracting swine flu is very daunting," said Jeff Haney, a freshman in pre-veterinary medicine whose roommate has been diagnosed with H1N1. "I worry that it would interfere with my academics, extra curricular activities and thriving social life."
Other students are less apprehensive about the flu and the disruption it could cause in their lives.
"I'm not extremely worried about getting swine flu," said Eric Dooley, a senior in software engineering. "I feel that our immune systems are at their primes right now."
The Office of the Provost has been working with Auburn's professors to develop a contingency plan in case the virus interferes with classes and students will be notified if needed.
Despite rumors of a school closure once the number of cases hits a certain mark, there is no specific threshold in regards to Auburn's plan of action, said Susan McCallister of the Department of Public Safety and Security.
"The Medical Clinic is monitoring the situation," McCallister said. "The only reason we would consider canceling classes is in the case of an attendance problem that would hinder our academic mission, but it is unlikely that we would get to that point."
McCallister also said the H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in Alabama in mid-October.
Announcements will be made through Auburn Daily and This Week at AU regarding the vaccination.
The seasonal flu vaccine is now available.
The AU Medical Clinic will hold flu vaccine clinics Monday, Sept. 14 and Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m for any student who wishes to be vaccinated.
Vaccinations will be provided on a first come, first serve basis until the supply is exhausted. The vaccine costs $25, payable with cash or check.
Employees with AU Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance will not be charged, and the cost will be filed to their insurance directly by the clinic.
The Center for Disease Control recommends washing hands as much as possible and covering coughs and sneezes in order to prevent spreading the virus.
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