By Rick Lindfors

Elizabeth Schimmels reports

Flu season is sweeping through the UO campus at full force. This year, however, it’s not just  your regular Flu virus. Swine Flu is back.

In the 2009 Swine Flu pandemic, nearly 300,000 people died. This year, Swine Flu (H1N1) has returned and is affecting the nation, even killing a Eugene boy in December.

Doctors at the University of Oregon Health Center have reported several cases of the Swine Flu since winter term began.

“After the pandemic ended in 2010, there’s still been some evidence of H1N1 around,” says UO Health Center nurse Rebecca Hagerwaite. “This year, we’ve had another resurgence of H1N1. Last year, we only had a few cases and now we find out that the primary cases of Influenza this year are H1N1 strain.”

Symptoms of the Swine Flu are similar to the common cold, only more severe. H1N1 is distinguishable by body aches and really high fever. If the symptoms persist, Swine Flu can turn into a more serious illness such as pneumonia.

“One thing is to stay away from anyone who has symptoms or if you know for sure that they have H1N1. Anyone who has any symptoms, runny nose, fever, cough, make sure that you’re washing your hands frequently. You can also get Flu vaccine which contains protection from H1N1,” Hagerwaite says. “It’s effective about eight days after you receive the vaccine.”

If you think you have symptoms of swine flu, contact the health center as soon as possible. The health center administers Flu vaccines Monday through Friday for $15.