Swine Flu: Confessions of a Community Facilitator

Santa Clara University has made it a point to keep the students, faculty, and staff updated on the latest information regarding the recent H1N1 epidemic. Three weeks prior to the Fall semester, I arrived on campus for my Community Facilitator training. At Santa Clara University, a Community Facilitator is somewhat like a Resident Assistant. Because I would hold a position of student leadership in the dorms, I was instructed on Santa Clara University’s mission to fight any and all traces of the H1N1 disease.

I learned the ins and outs of the virus and was lectured extensively on the importance of cleanliness and “appropriate contact” with others (i.e. no hugs or hand-holding allowed). I watched detailed power point presentations, received several informational brochures, and even watched a couple YouTube videos, all about the H1N1 epidemic and how to avoid it. As a result of the school’s precaution, I was informed of the actions my dorm would need to take if someone possessed “H1N1-like” symptoms. As a Community Facilitator, I had the responsibility of noticing if one of my residents started having flu like symptoms and was instructed to immediately send them to Cowell Health Center to be tested for the Swine Influenza Virus.

The Residential Learning Communities (our special name for dormitories) each have designated isolation rooms that suspected Swine Flu victims must reside in until their symptoms subside. These students are required to stay in the isolation rooms and are instructed to wear facemasks if they need to leave the room for a short period of time. Because of the close living spaces in the RLCs, someone who might have the Swine Flu would need to be immediately isolated so as to not spread the virus to any other student. So far, a couple of my own residents have utilized these services. However, none of them have actually contracted the virus.

To this day, I still receive constant email updates about H1N1 and what other steps Santa Clara is taking to make sure its students can avoid the viral influenza at all costs. I know that we must all take precautions in terms of avoiding the Swine Flu and that its important for us to be informed about the effects of the virus. But sometimes I wonder, is it ever too much?

-Sara

How About Some Tunes Instead of Medication

When you catch the flu, you undoubtedly feel lethargic as well as stressed at the thought of all the school work and responsibilities you'll have to make up. During this period of physical and mental tribulation, I believe it helps to pray, relax, and listen to some soothing music. Especially in the wake of the H1N1 epidemic, it's nice to have a mix music ready to go in case we have the misfortune of contracting the virus.

Here are some pieces of music that I highly recommend for times that you just want to take it easy.

Beethoven:

Sonata #14 – First Movement (AKA Moonlight Sonata)

Chopin:

Nocturne Op.9 #1

Nocturne Op. 27 #2

Prelude Op. 28 #15 (AKA Raindrop Prelude)

Piano Concerto #1 – Second Movement

Debussy:

Clair De Lune

Reverie

Rachmaninoff:

Piano Concerto #1 – Second Movement

Piano Concerto #2 – Second Movement

Prelude Op. 23 #4

Vocalise

You may notice that all of my recommendations are from the Classical Music repertoire (or more specifically from the Classical, Romantic, and Impressionistic Periods/Styles of music). Classical music has grown to be my personal favorite genre. I like instrumental music in particular. While lyrics can be wonderful and poetic, sometimes just have melody without words can be liberating and express that which words cannot.

Here is a video of Norwegian pianist, Leif Ove Andsnes playing Debussy's Clair De Lune

Leif Ove Andsnes plays Debussy's 'Clair de Lune'

- Anton

Swine Flu: A Quarantine Experience

Name: Brad Terrill
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

What was your experience with the Swine Flu? "I wasn't diagnosed with Swine Flu. They didn't know know whether I had it, and they didn't do a blood test, which would say whether I had it or not."

Where were you quarantined? What were the conditions?: "I was quarantined for two full days in Nobili apartments. I couldn't leave and had to wear a mask if I left."

What was your first reaction when you heard you had to be isolated? "Ahh man... that sucks."

What was your favorite pastime? "Hulu.com" (A website that offers free television shows)

Do you have any advice? "Stay away from people who have it... it's not too bad."


Interview by Keesa

Swine Flu: Are you worried?

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Name: Allie Lopiano (SCU Sophomore)

Are you worried?: No

What is your opinion about how people are dealing with this issue?: I think it's ridiculous that people are freaking out about H1N1 which is basically a regular flu. I understand people's concern if for they have a pre-existing medical condition that makes them more vulnerable to sickness, but other than that, people are worrying too much.

-Anton

Swine Flu: Are You Worred?

Name: Peggy Kelly
Hometown: Santa Clara, CA
Are you worried about getting the Swine Flu? "Well, the Swine Flu hasn't really affected any of my friends or family but it does worry me because it's out there and that a lot of people are being affected by it and that schools are shutting down because of it. So yeah, I would say I'm worried about it."
What do you think are the symptoms of Swine Flu? "I heard they are much like the regular flu, except a little bit more severe."
Have you taken any precautions against Swine Flu? "I took the flu shot."

- Samantha

Swine Flu: Are You Worried?

Name: Sarah Mirto

Hometown: Pleasanton, CA
Are you worried about getting the Swine Flu?
"I'm not that worried because I haven't heard of too many people having it. I think it's mostly just people getting the flu and then Cowell getting kind of scared because they want to be cautious but I don't think it's that big of a worry."
Have you taken any precautions against Swine Flu?
"I was supposed to go get the flu shot but I don't even know if that helps. And if anyone was told to be quarantined, [I would] obviously just stay away from them."