UNF Creates Isolation Rooms for Students with Swine Flu

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The H1N1 influenza virus has the University of North Florida modifying its emergency plan to include a health threat that could create problems on university campuses.

UNF has designated two dorm rooms as "isolation" rooms for students who live on campus.

Housing director Paul Riel says the rooms could accommodate four students who need to be isolated from the student population during their recovery.

"There's an opportunity to stay connected to the university, but they are kind of isolated from the campus population," said Riel.

The "isolation" rooms are targeted for students who are unable to go home to recover from the swine flu.

Dr. Fred Beck, who heads up Student Health Services at UNF, says university of 16,000 students has been fortunate so far.

"I've been very pleased with the people we have seen with influenza-like illnesses. They have recovered very quickly," said Beck.

UNF has set up a hotline for students on campus to call so they can can get answers to their H1N1 questions. A nurse has been assigned to handle those calls.

Faculty has also been instructed to be more lenient with students who are absent from class because of a respiratory illness.

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