Campus Connection

Article by UW-L student writer Breanna Levine Cases of influenza, commonly known as the flu, are on the rise. Each year, the flu affects anywhere from 5-20 percent of North Americans, according to statistics from the Influence Study. Fever, chills, aches, fatigue, even vomiting or diarrhea, are all common symptoms of this highly contagious respiratory illness. For most, the flu is little more than an inconvenience; however, it also causes approximately 200,000 hospitalizations per year and can turn deadly. To help lower this statistic, the UW-La Crosse Student Health Center is helping to conduct a study for a new drug that may give flu sufferers some much-needed relief. The Influence Study is a clinical trial being done in clinics around North America that evaluates the time it takes for alleviation of flu symptoms when taking a study medication as compared to a placebo, according to UW-L Student Health Center Registered Nurse Phyllis Schneider. “There is a high amount of interest in this study from both the National Institute of Health and the FDA,” she says. “In fact, funding for the study comes from a $44 million contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The hope is that the use of this study drug could prepare the U.S. if there ever was a pandemic outbreak.” What to expect from participating in the study Anyone who meets the qualifications (below) is encouraged to participate in the Influence Study. After meeting the qualifications for the study, participants will be randomly assigned to take a five-day course of either the new drug or a placebo version of the drug. Participants will also be scheduled for four office visits during that month, where they will be asked to complete four to eight nasal swabs and three to five blood draws. Subjects will also keep a daily diary of their symptoms, including temperature. “The diary is very important, because that is where we are collecting the majority of the data for this study,” Schneider explains. For their efforts, participants will be financially compensated. “Participants are reimbursed $50 for each of the four office visits and $10 per day to accurately complete the short daily diary,” says Schneider. “Cash payments are made to participants at the time of visit.” As with any clinical trial, it’s important to know the benefits and risks of participation. Visit www.influencestudy.com for a list of potential risks and benefits, as well as more information about the study. For further questions about the study, call Schneider at 608.785.5106. Do you want to participate? Anybody who meets the qualifications can participate in the Influence Study conducted by the UW-L Student Health Center. Qualifications include: 1. Have experienced flu symptoms for fewer than 48 hours 2. Have not received a flu vaccine after Aug. 1, 2013 3. Have a fever greater than 100.4 F 4. Are experiencing at least one of the following: cough, sore throat or nasal obstruction considered by the patient to be moderate or severe 5. Are experiencing one of the following: fatigue, headache, myalgia or feverishness considered by the patient to be moderate to severe If you meet these qualifications and would like to participate, call the Student Health Center at 608.785.8558.