Last week, we began the virology block of the first-year microbiology course. One of our earliest lectures was on respiratory viruses, with a particular focus on influenza. Aside from learning that influenza has a segmented genome that gives it great potential to jump between species, we also discussed the risk for pandemic flu. In fact, our weekly problem-based-learning module focused on influenza and public health in the face of an unexpected epidemic.
Fast forward to Tuesday, when the CDC announced that there were then-isolated cases of a type A H1N1 swine influenza on the West Coast. We were sent a link by our course director to the CDC website, partially in an effort to show us that what we were learning was applicable to the real world. By the end of the week, we needed no more convincing of this fact. News had come that an epidemic of porcine influenza was shutting down public services and infrastructure in Mexico. Talk of a burgeoning pandemic began.
During this whole time, I couldn't believe how synchronized my education was with current events. The importance of knowing what neuraminidase is seemed to have suddenly jumped exponentially, to the point where I heard people discussing the protein on a plane ride last Sunday. (Neuraminindase is the molecule targeted by antiviral agents such as osteltamivir, or Tamiflu.)
Then, last night, I learned that I may have what is a front-row seat to witness public responses to influenza. First, we received an email announcing that there was a suspected case of porcine H1N1 at the Dental School. Then, around 11:15 p.m., we received the following email from our Dean:
HMS and HSDM leadership has been working closely with public health officials today to understand the significance of a potential H1N1 case at the Dental School. As a precaution to protect your health as well as the health of the broader community until more information is known, both medical and dental school classes are canceled for Friday, May 1. Also, students should not go to the hospitals for clerkships, PCE classes or any other activities. Classes are canceled at HSPH as well...
Also, because there currently is such limited information, students are encouraged to stay home and to refrain from participating in public activities. Again, we emphasize that this is being recommended purely out of an abundance of caution, after careful consideration and with an interest in protecting you and the health and well being of our community.
It turns out that the suspected case is actually a dental student, which may explain why classes have been canceled. (I live on campus, about 400 meters from my classroom, so this "don't go to school" recommendation doesn't seem particularly meaningful in my case.) Word traveled quickly, soon to The Globe.
Thus far, this confluence of information has been a little overwhelming. I feel a general lack of agency, especially since we have been advised essentially to quarantine ourselves. The results of the diagnostic tests for the suspected case have not come back yet, and it is uncertain what the response will be if the student tests positive. For now, there's little to do but sit and wait.
Fast forward to Tuesday, when the CDC announced that there were then-isolated cases of a type A H1N1 swine influenza on the West Coast. We were sent a link by our course director to the CDC website, partially in an effort to show us that what we were learning was applicable to the real world. By the end of the week, we needed no more convincing of this fact. News had come that an epidemic of porcine influenza was shutting down public services and infrastructure in Mexico. Talk of a burgeoning pandemic began.
During this whole time, I couldn't believe how synchronized my education was with current events. The importance of knowing what neuraminidase is seemed to have suddenly jumped exponentially, to the point where I heard people discussing the protein on a plane ride last Sunday. (Neuraminindase is the molecule targeted by antiviral agents such as osteltamivir, or Tamiflu.)
Then, last night, I learned that I may have what is a front-row seat to witness public responses to influenza. First, we received an email announcing that there was a suspected case of porcine H1N1 at the Dental School. Then, around 11:15 p.m., we received the following email from our Dean:
HMS and HSDM leadership has been working closely with public health officials today to understand the significance of a potential H1N1 case at the Dental School. As a precaution to protect your health as well as the health of the broader community until more information is known, both medical and dental school classes are canceled for Friday, May 1. Also, students should not go to the hospitals for clerkships, PCE classes or any other activities. Classes are canceled at HSPH as well...
Also, because there currently is such limited information, students are encouraged to stay home and to refrain from participating in public activities. Again, we emphasize that this is being recommended purely out of an abundance of caution, after careful consideration and with an interest in protecting you and the health and well being of our community.
It turns out that the suspected case is actually a dental student, which may explain why classes have been canceled. (I live on campus, about 400 meters from my classroom, so this "don't go to school" recommendation doesn't seem particularly meaningful in my case.) Word traveled quickly, soon to The Globe.
Thus far, this confluence of information has been a little overwhelming. I feel a general lack of agency, especially since we have been advised essentially to quarantine ourselves. The results of the diagnostic tests for the suspected case have not come back yet, and it is uncertain what the response will be if the student tests positive. For now, there's little to do but sit and wait.
