by EDWARD SZTUKOWSKI
News Editor

There ain’t no cure for the summertime flus.

Seven students at Camp Broadstone, a summer camp run by Appalachian State University in Valle Crucis, tested positive for the H1N1 virus Wednesday.

A group of hikers came back to camp experiencing flu-like symptoms July 9 and were then isolated. After conditions seemed to worsen, they were taken to Student Health Services at Appalachian. Moisture samples were then sent to the state health department in Raleigh, where the test was conducted.

Lynn E. Drury, associate vice chancellor for University Communications, said the university is following procedure in dealing with the virus.

“The [Centers for Disease Control] recommends no treatment at all for most people,” she said. “The only concern is for high risk people, those with heart or lung disease.”

Drury said the virus was no more virulent than other strains of the flu, but the university is prepared to handle more cases.

“Health services are following a very strict procedure. The university has an emergency plan which prescribes roles in this situation,” she said. “We put it into place on Friday and everything has gone well as planned.”

Dr. Robert Ellison, a staff physician at Student Health Services, said they are aware of and are following the CDC guidelines and state guidelines in dealing with the virus.

“We’re in almost daily communication with the Watauga County Health Department,” Ellison said. “There are guidelines for summer camps as well as college campuses regarding this.”

While the H1N1 virus has received worldwide media attention, Ellison says the virus is currently no more dangerous than the regular flu.

“At this point it’s a Level 6 pandemic,” Ellison said. “It’s very contagious, but for most people at this point the symptoms are not severe. People can recover from rest.”

Patients who are designated high risk have the option of taking a medication called Tamiflu, though it is discouraged.

“It’s recommended that the Tamiflu type of medication should be used selectively and not broadly because the virus may become less sensitive to it,” Ellison said.

Summer camps around the country have been experiencing H1N1 outbreaks. According to the Associated Press, more than 50 summer camps in 20 states have sent kids home early or canceled sessions because of suspected outbreaks.

“The reality is not if ASU will be affected, it’s when,” Ellison said. “Good hand washing, getting adequate rest and coughing into your elbow can help prevent the virus.”

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