Swine Flu Affecting Student Media

A sign was posted near the office of Oklahoma Daily Editor Jamie Hughes this week to inform section editor applicants that Hughes had the H1N1 flu virus. Section editor interviews have been postponed. Photo by Hailey Branson

Note: Hailey Branson has been a paid employee of OU Student Media for seven semesters.

More than six OU Student Media employees have missed work this week because of illnesses that include the H1N1 flu virus. Students and professional staff have been asked to take extra precaution and to avoid coming to work if they feel even remotely ill to prevent the spread of disease.

At least two student employees have had doctors confirm that they had the H1N1 virus, including the editor-in-chief of the Oklahoma Daily, Jamie Hughes. Hughes had to postpone interviews with those applying to be section editors in the spring. Hughes was one of at least four people who was ill who attended the College Media Advisers conference in Austin, Texas, Oct. 28 through Nov. 1.

"The soap dispensers are going to be empty," Brian Ringer, Student Media director, said. "Everyone's just paranoid."

The Student Media professional staff has disinfected the offices several times every day this week and has placed disinfecting wipes in various places throughout the Oklahoma Daily newsroom. Hughes has said she is feeling better and will return to work Sunday and will re-schedule all interviews.