OU adapts to Swine Flu

It seems that every couple of years a new virus is discovered that causes alarm amongst large populations; occasionally this alarm sounds off on an international scale.

Not even a decade ago worldwide attention

centered on bird flu and SARS, and how these viruses might infect massive populations of the world.

Now, in 2009, we find

However, even though the worldwide outbreak of H1N1 has been labeled a pandemic, there seems to be much less panic and hysteria this time around.

Does this mean people are ignorant of the problem? Of course not. They're just handling it in a responsible and mature manner.

Many of us are taking precautions but we are not letting the fear of contracting the Swine Flu control our lives.

Ottawa University has been very forthcoming with dispersing information about the new

There's such a vast difference between reacting and overreacting.

Fortunately, OU does

Since the beginning of the year there have been posters lined up throughout campus encouraging students to wash their hands and to check with a nurse or doctor if they experience

During the first week of

Just recently it was

A message containing details of the ongoing situation was sent out to the student body along with some additional prevention tips and words of encouragement.

This local approach to preventing a global problem is what students and the surrounding community need.

A calm, educated response to a real problem

At least we think so.

Photos from Hong Kong painted a grim scene where hundreds of citizens wore surgical masks to prevent the spread of germs.

Other pictures featured dozens of slaughtered birds in an attempt to exterminate any possible carriers of disease.