Many college students are heading back to campus this month under vastly different circumstances than when they left.
And with several outbreaks across the country already connected to universities, the start of the school year is sparking anxiety for parents and staff.
Part of the problem is that younger people are less likely to fall badly ill from the virus, and may therefore think the pandemic is not serious.
"Frankly, they’re going to believe that until one of their friends or one of their peers has a bad issue with it," said Dr. Jill Grimes, family physician and author of "The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook" on KCBS Radio’s "Ask An Expert" segment Thursday. While younger people do face less risk, there have still been many cases of young, healthy individuals becoming seriously ill or dying after contracting the virus.
Dr. Grimes said parents of college students should talk to their children about the effect the virus can have on their loved ones.
"Maybe you as a parent have a couple risk factors...that is a much more tangible thing."
Professors, custodial crews and school administrators are also exposed to college students and likely to be older and at a higher risk of getting sick from the virus. While students may not be as concerned for themselves, the danger of transmitting the virus to others can still be high even in controlled settings.
Dr. Grimes said if there are outbreaks at universities, it likely will not originate in the classroom. "It’s the behavior out of the classroom and off the campus that I’m far more concerned about."
Which is why, she added, it is important to stress ways to reduce risk, rather than discourage socializing altogether.
"Choose outdoors over indoors, less crowded over crowded. A small party on the beach is way better than a party in a pool, is better than a hot tub. It’s going to be a matter of relative risk," she explained.
