Yale Student Describes Her Fight with Swine Flu
Fortunately for Zhang, her case was relatively mild, and after a few days of quarantine, she was able to resume her class schedule and thrive again.
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September 21, 2009
Baobao Zhang entered an Ivy League school only this fall, but that didn't stop her from falling ill with 2009 H1N1, also known as the swine flu, an experience she recently shared as a guest columnist for the Yale Daily News.
Busy with the orientation activities, Zhang spent a few days earlier this month ignoring a sore throat but symptoms were getting worse and she ended up at the schools' health services facility one evening. Soon, she was diagnosed with the disease which first broke out in April 2009 and has sickened 41,556 Americans so far this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Fortunately for Zhang, her case was relatively mild, and after a few days of quarantine, painkillers and lots of orange juice, she was able to resume her class schedule and thrive again.
While most people are able to survive the swine flu, it can be deadly for children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system. That is why it is important to reduce the risk of catching and spreading the disease by maintaining proper hygiene, which includes frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizers and covering up a cough.
Depending on individual circumstances, a doctor many also recommend a swine flu shot, while nutrition experts say foods rich in vitamins C, D and zinc - like yogurt, garlic, citrus and chicken - can boost the immune system and help avoid getting sick.
When feeling ill with symptoms that resemble flu - such as headache, dry cough, fever and fatigue - it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Those recovering from the flu should refrain from going to school or work, or coming into close contact with other people for as long as their symptoms persist.
Baobao Zhang entered an Ivy League school only this fall, but that didn't stop her from falling ill with 2009 H1N1, also known as the swine flu, an experience she recently shared as a guest columnist for the Yale Daily News.
Busy with the orientation activities, Zhang spent a few days earlier this month ignoring a sore throat but symptoms were getting worse and she ended up at the schools' health services facility one evening. Soon, she was diagnosed with the disease which first broke out in April 2009 and has sickened 41,556 Americans so far this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Fortunately for Zhang, her case was relatively mild, and after a few days of quarantine, painkillers and lots of orange juice, she was able to resume her class schedule and thrive again.
While most people are able to survive the swine flu, it can be deadly for children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system. That is why it is important to reduce the risk of catching and spreading the disease by maintaining proper hygiene, which includes frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizers and covering up a cough.
Depending on individual circumstances, a doctor many also recommend a swine flu shot, while nutrition experts say foods rich in vitamins C, D and zinc - like yogurt, garlic, citrus and chicken - can boost the immune system and help avoid getting sick.
When feeling ill with symptoms that resemble flu - such as headache, dry cough, fever and fatigue - it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Those recovering from the flu should refrain from going to school or work, or coming into close contact with other people for as long as their symptoms persist.
