Flu and norovirus hits Oregon hard

Until recently, Oregon seemed to avoid the heavy hit of influenza and norovirus that’s struck much of the country this winter.

In the last few weeks, however, both have seemed to spike, leaving many of Portland State’s students and faculty feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

The question many people are wondering is: “Why now?”

“It’s not completely clear,” said Dr. Mark Bajorek, director of health services at the Center for Student Health and Counseling. “It could have to do with the contagion of disease.”

He added that there may be a relationship between how the virus is spreading and Oregon’s population, but with things changing week to week it’s difficult to narrow down the cause.

Oregon has also seen a new strain of norovirus this year, which people haven’t yet built up an immunity to. The virus commonly causes diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain, but can also be accompanied by a fever and headache.

“It’s really contagious,” said Kathy Samsom, a registered nurse at SHAC.

According to Samsom, norovirus is not airborne but is spread through contact.

Norovirus is typically spread through fruits, vegetables and shellfish and by touching contaminated surfaces. Not washing your hands is the easiest way to spread it.

The strong strain of the virus makes it especially contagious. 

Although there is no vaccination for norovirus, people can typically expect to get better within a few days.

However, don’t hesitate to call SHAC with any questions or concerns, SHAC representatives said. 

Sophomore graphic design major Tara Holman was suddenly struck with influenza in the first weeks of January and claimed it felt “very different” from other flus she’s had.

She also noticed that a lot of people around her have come down with influenza this year.

“Everyone’s sick,” Tara said. “It’s pretty much an epidemic.”

As the weeks go on, the high flu rate doesn’t seem to be abating.

“There’s a correlation between the flu vaccine and what we’re seeing now,”
Bajorek said. “It’s still escalating because people aren’t getting flu shots.”

Staff members at SHAC encourage students and faculty to get vaccinated if they can. 

Although many places, including SHAC, are completely out of flu shots, there are still places where you can get vaccinated. 

Students and faculty can check out flu shot maps at flushot.healthmap.org to find nearby places to get vaccinated. 

Along with getting vaccinated, it’s important to wash your hands with soap and water, which is better for fighting the virus than hand sanitizer.

“Hand washing is the best thing,” Samsom said. 

Bajorek also recommends that PSU students establish a regular, good sleep schedule. 

“Get sleep,” Bajorek said. “I know [you’re] working hard, but you have to take care of yourself.”

Doctors and nurses are also taking preventative measures to avoid falling ill themselves and to prevent further spread of the flu in SHAC. This includes wearing masks, cleaning the rooms with bleach and changing the seating in the lobby so those who have the flu are separated from those who don’t.

And if you already have the flu, don’t lose hope. There are plenty of ways to treat it. 

First of all, if you’re sick, stay at home and get lots of rest.

“PSU students are incredibly motivated, but going to school when you’re sick sometimes puts others at risk,” Bajorek said.

Samsom encouraged students to call in and get advice if they’re not feeling well, unless symptoms are severe, like excessive fatigue, persistent abdominal pain, sharp ear pain, ear discharge, bloody mucus, a fever higher than 101 degrees for two days or more, chest pain, or sinus and facial pain.

With more severe symptoms, call and schedule an appointment right away, she said. If symptoms are bad enough, you may be sent to the emergency room.

However, if your symptoms are more minor, like a low-grade fever, mild sinus discomfort, general tiredness and a mildly scratchy throat, it’s a good idea to call SHAC and ask for some self-care tips.

“[Students] can get advice,” Samsom stressed. “I want to encourage them to call in.”

To schedule an appointment or for questions/advice, call SHAC at 503-725-2800.