Though the College had a severe outbreak of pneumonia on campus this fall, the number of students diagnosed with the flu this winter has been consistent with years past, according to Interim Director of the Health Center Sandra Hayes.
"I'd say it's on track for us," said Hayes, who added that since students returned from Winter Break in January, the Dudley Coe Health Center has seen between 15 and 20 cases of the flu.
"We had a big surge two weeks ago, but it's sort of trickling in now," she added. "I was worried it was going to be a big year, but it quieted down pretty quickly."
According to Hayes, the end of flu season is nearing: The health center generally diagnoses the last cases in the first week of March.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had predicted that the 2008 season would arrive late but strong. While this does not appear to be the case at Bowdoin, Hayes noted that it is hard to tell, since the health center has no way of knowing how many students had the flu over Winter Break.
The College works hard to prevent Bowdoin community members from being infected; this fall, the Health Center provided 550 flu shots to students and 260 to College employees at no charge. Though it is late into flu season, the Health Center still has 40 vaccinations remaining.
Hayes encourages all students to be vaccinated.
"Every student that we have seen with the flu this year did not have the flu shot," she said.
By the time sick students make it to the Health Center, there is often little to be done but symptom control, said Hayes. Treatment generally involves resting, increasing fluid intake, and taking ibuprofen.
There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of the flu, including appropriate coughing etiquette and frequent hand washing. Most importantly, noted Hayes, "If you're sick, stay home from class."