The University of Winnipeg is continuing to take preventative measures to protect students, faculty and staff from contracting the H1N1 virus. This month, the U of W will be hosting four more H1N1 vaccination clinics.

Martin Grainger, emergency preparedness co-ordinator, said that the first wave of the virus did not have a significant impact on campus.

“It was not as bad as it could have been,” he said. “We’ve had individual cases where a student has phoned in to say they were sick with H1N1 ... but there were really no large amounts of absenteeism of either faculty or students.”

Grainger said most of the reported cases on campus were doctor-confirmed cases, which means that doctors diagnose the patient with the virus based on symptoms, not blood tests. Despite the virus’ largely minimal impact on campus, Grainger said that the potential for further spread of the second wave of the virus still remains.

“The World Health [Organization] says we are not out of the woods, but it seems to be quieting down,” he said.

Only one class in the fall term reported abnormally high numbers of absenteeism. Alena Lukes, professor of anthropology, said that more than half of her students were missing from her introductory anthropology class one day, which she said was strange for that particular class.

“A large number of students complained of being ill,” she said, adding that although many claimed to have the flu, none of them specified that it was H1N1.

Although the virus has not had as much of an effect as anticipated, those who have contracted the virus were hit hard.

“ The World Health [Organization] says we are not out of the woods, but it seems to be quieting down.

Martin Grainger, U of W emergency preparedness co-ordinator

Courtney Brecht, a second-year communications student at the U of W, came down with what she believed to be the H1N1 virus in the middle of December’s exam period. Although Brecht did not receive a blood test to confirm she had the virus, she said she displayed all of the symptoms. Brecht said her illness negatively affected her exam performance.

“I had to leave [my English exam] because I was coughing so much,” she said, adding that being bedridden for an entire week made it difficult to study for exams. Her grades suffered as a result.

“I did quite poorly,” she said.

Brecht decided not to get vaccinated for the virus because she was skeptical of its potential side effects.

Grainger said that if students are concerned about contracting the virus and the negative effects it could have on their academics, they should do everything they can to protect themselves from the virus.

“If they have any doubt, they will get their shot,” he said, adding that people should continue routine handwashing and cough etiquette.

In a clinic held on campus in early December, 210 people were vaccinated.

Vaccinations will be available at Klinic, located in MacNamara Hall North, Jan. 13, 14, 20 and 21. To make an appointment, call 786-9496.