Swine Flu Heads to College: 5 Ways to Avoid the Bug

(MoneyWatch)  Swine flu has struck college campuses across the country and administrators are scrambling to combat the spread of the virus.
Emory University has moved roughly 50 students suffering from swine flu into a special dorm where they receive their meals. At the University of Colorado, some nervous professors are telling students with swine flu or H1N1 that they should drop their courses.

Kansas University was grappling with 313 sick kids on one day last week. The flu has also struck the same sorority at Louisiana State and the University of Alabama and the list goes on and on.

So what should college students be doing to avoid getting this bug?
Wash off desks. Classrooms are an ideal incubator for germs because dozens, if not hundreds, of students trudge through them every day. Wipe any desk or chair with an alcohol-based hand cleaner before sitting down.

Don't touch faucets. After taking a shower or washing hands, use a paper towel to turn off the water. In your dorm room, use a multipurpose cleaner like Formula 409 to wipe door knobs, appliances and other surfaces.
Ask for separate quarters. If your roommate is sick, see if the university has set aside dorm rooms for flu sufferers. Students with the flu should lay low for at least 24 hours after their fever disappears.

Watch where you sneeze. Since it's possible to spread the flu 24 hours before experiencing any symptoms, try not to spread potential germs. Sneeze or cough into your sleeve rather than covering your mouth with your hands. And avoid touching your face.
Get an H1N1 flu shot. Unfortunately. a seasonal flu shot won't protect against swine flu, but a vaccine for H1N1 will be available in the fall.

Swine flu image by KyKy. CC 2.0.