SPECIAL REPORT—In the midst of a widespread influenza outbreak in North Carolina, a new study from North Carolina State University has found that students involved in the research project largely failed to comply with basic preventative measures. The most basic of those measures being regularly washing their hands.

“Hand washing is a significant preventative measure for many communicable diseases, from respiratory diseases like H1N1 to food borne illness agents, such as norovirus,” says Dr. Ben Chapman, assistant professor of family and consumer sciences and food safety extension specialist at NC State. The new study, which examined student compliance with hand hygiene recommendations during an outbreak of norovirus at a university in Ontario, finds that only 17 percent of students followed posted hand hygiene recommendations – but that 83 percent of students reported that they had been in compliance. Norovirus causes gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting and diarrhea. Every year there are 30 to 40 outbreaks of norovirus on university campuses, affecting thousands of students.

Chapman noted that this study was a first in that researchers were given the opportunity to monitor students during a viral outbreak on campus.

“Typically, health officials put up posters and signs and rely on self-reporting to determine whether these methods are effective,” Chapman says. “And people say they are washing their hands more. But, as it turns out, that’s not true.

“The study shows that while health authorities may give people the tools we think they need to limit the spread of an outbreak, the information we’re giving them is not compelling enough to change their behavior. Basically, it doesn’t work. But we do it again with every outbreak, and we’re doing it now with H1N1.”

Chapman says the study shows that health officials need to target specific audiences, such as students in a particular dorm or who eat at a particular cafeteria, and tailor their information to those audiences. For example, telling them where the nearest washrooms are, or pointing out where hand sanitizer units are located. “The more specific the information is for an audience, the better off you are,” Chapman says.

Specifically relating to the H1N1 virus, the symptoms can seem very similar to the typical seasonal flu viruses with fever (100°F or higher), coughing and/or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches with possible body aches, chills and fatigue. However, a number of reported H1N1 cases have shown vomiting and diarrhea as added symptomatic occurrences with infection.

Numerous studies have shown that washing your hands regularly is the most basic and effective means to protecting yourself from being infected by influenza and other viruses.

Chapman reveals that while the information on how to protect you from viral infection is often delivered, it is not well received due to the nature in how it is distributed. As an example, information about such conditions as the flu is best given using the appropriate media for a specific age group. Chapman states his belief that health officials should use terminology and language that is best suited for those receiving the information. Students, for example, should be told that ‘this could make you puke’ rather than using terms such as ‘gastrointestinal illness.’