<p>We have a thread discussing the H1N1 flu (swine flu) in general but I would like to start a new thread specifically about college closings or quarantines or incidents in which colleges have decided to forgo finals and send students home due to confirmed or suspected cases of H1N1 flu.</p>
<p>I think a lot of us with kids away at college are worried not so much that our kids will get this flu, but that the flu will have a major impact on the kids’ end-of-the-school-year projects and classes and (of course) finals. Thanks.</p>
<p>One case (said to have 95% likelihood of confirmation) at Western Oregon University - School closed through Monday, May 4, pending full confirmation - Students told to remain in the dorms</p>
<p>I am also worried about commencements, and selfishly so.
My S, is supposed to graduate from Tulane and was a “Katrina” freshman. So his class, in particular, had the beginning of their college career disrupted by a disaster.</p>
<p>We’re just hoping that it doesn’t end that way too. </p>
<p>As a natural born worrier, it doesn’t help that my H works in public health and probably tells me more than I am capable of processing!</p>
<p>My D has been sick this week, and of course I was worried about The Flu. She said, “Mom, there is only one case in all of Ohio.” And I said, not counting all of you who refuse to go to the clinic. And she said that to be seen at the clinic means getting there between 8 and 10 in the morning to sign in, and hoping to be seen before they close at 6. Week before finals, she just doesn’t have that option.</p>
<p>She’s sure it’s a cold, anyway. Or allergies. She skipped a few classes yesterday, but teachers aren’t letting her off very easily. She emailed them in advance, and they are demanding visits to their offices for make-up time. (Not make-up work, just time!) So if they catch what she has, it’s their own stupid fault.</p>
<p>I have a friend at U of M(ichigan) that may have it. I was really sick two weeks ago (before it was really big) after about a week of contact with a friend from Mexico. I am now better (sort of… I am no longer contageous they say), but I had to get blood drawn to see if it was the H1N1 virus. No results yet. She began to have the exact same symptoms as I did and she too is getting tested. Now some of her other friends at U of M are starting to have the same symptoms. </p>
<p>I am going to feel terrible if I unknowingly infected a bunch of people. But hopefully it is just a false alarm.</p>
<p>Agreeing with others, the logic of closing colleges for a few suspected cases escapes me. The kids will not be sitting quietly in their dorm rooms…and most will be sharing tables in the dining halls 2 or 3 times a day.</p>
<p>Jeez, it was just on the local news here (Georgia) that 22 seniors at Slippery Rock ¶ were banned from graduation ceremonies because they had been in Mexico teaching. </p>
<p>Are they vetting every student to find out where they spent their spring break? “Oh, cancun, here’s your diploma, don’t show up.” No, they are not. Four years at Slippery Rock, and then to be told to stay away? I’d be one ****ed mom!</p>
<p>2 possible cases at GW. Those students have been moved from their very crowded freshman dorm to another location on campus awaiting definitive test results.</p>