OSU Staff Stress Flu Prevention, Students Shrug

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Ohio State University staff members are emphasizing the need to take precaution to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus, but OSU students appear less than moved by the message.

Appearing on campus Monday, Representative Mary Jo Kilroy said the H1N1 vaccine is expected to reach Columbus within two weeks in limited volume. Pregnant women and people with chronic illness or respiratory problems will be considered high-risk priorities in receiving the vaccine.

The news of the vaccine’s availability did little to sway students interviewed by NBC 4 Monday.

“It doesn’t really matter to me. I’m not going to get it,“ said OSU senior Jason Jones. “I don’t feel that I’m going to get sick.“

Other students said they had not thought about the H1N1 flu at all, despite the school’s efforts to promote prevention.

“Actually, I didn’t even know there was a vaccine and I probably… I don’t plan on getting one,“ said OSU sophomore Steve Susany. “If I’m going to get it, I’m going to get it.“

OSU staffers are awaiting word on how much of the vaccination they will receive. Dr. Bob Miller of University Student Health Services hopes the school will be a vaccination distribution site.

With students clustered together in classes and dorms, school staff said you can treat general flu symptoms at home by isolating yourself, instead of going to school or work. But if you notice a severe fever or respiratory problems, then you should seek medical attention. 

“A large majority of them are going to get better within a few days and not have any major complications of their illness, but some students will get complications,“ Miller said.

Even Congresswoman Kilroy used the weight of her office today to draw attention to the use of hand sanitizer, which OSU is distributing free of charge around campus.

But the message is not resonating with many students who have yet to see the H1N1 flu affect friends or family.

“If it actually hits somewhere close to home then, yeah, it makes you start to actually think about it a little more seriously,“ said OSU senior Abbey Wood.

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