H1N1 campus fears, precautions

MADISON -  

Fear of the H1N1 flu virus is rising at Cornell University in Ithaca New York, where a 20-year-old student died Friday from the H1N1 flu. The university reports more than 500 students have been diagnosed with flu-like symptoms since the fall semester began a few weeks ago.

Teachers have been asked to go easy on students missing classes.

"The faculty have been asked to show leniency and flexibility in their... in their schedules and in their exams so that students who are experiencing flu-like illness do not feel compelled to go to class," said Thomas Bruce of Cornell University.

Closer to home at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, flu-like symptoms and concerns about the virus spreading prompted the opening of isolation rooms for ill students.

"We are doing this so we can keep the numbers down of students who get sick. So think of doing this for your fellow students," said Paul Evans with UW Housing.

As of last Friday eight students were in isolation, but many others with undiagnosed flu-like symptoms stayed away. Dozens are on the Badger football team.

"I'll give the number right now, we had 40 guys that were out Tuesday that sucked it up. Some of them were at practice, some of them were throwing up at practice," said Bret Bielema, Badgers Head Football Coach after during Saturday's post game press conference.

University of Wisconsin Hospital announced it is suspending a student volunteer program because of the high number of students with H1N1 flu symptoms. The effort is intended to protect patients in its hospital and clinics from the virus.