On a campus of 20,000, the chances of knowing who you pass is slim. But tonight, Cornell University is very aware of one, 20-year-old Warren Schor.
"We got this email you know saying that the gentleman passed away and then you know it really hits hard but, you know, immediately you know you check on Facebook to see who the kid was," said Matthew Rosenfield, a Cornell student.
Schor was an economics and management student. He passed away Friday from Swine Flu. The university said more than 500 other students have been diagnosed with flu-like systems. Schor's death is increasing concern over every cough, sneeze, ache. New studies show that the virus can spread for a week or more after symptoms appear. That's longer than some experts thought. But now officials said prevention may be here sooner than expected.
"As early as the first full week of October. We'll get the fist doses out as quickly as they roll off the production line," said Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
That's three weeks early. And researchers said a single dose may do the trick in just ten days.
"One dose, and not two, or healthy adults. That's great. You'll have a lot more vaccine," said Sebelius.
But she said flu-like symptoms are unusually high for this time of year. The government plans on giving the first doses to high risk groups like health workers, pregnant women and young people. Until then, the Cornell campus waits. Teachers are being asked to be aware.
"The faculty have been asked to show leniency and flexibility in their schedules and in their exams so that students who are experiencing flu-like illness do not feel compelled to go to class," said Thomas Bruce, from Cornell University.
A memorial service will be held for Schor on campus some time this week. The university's website said it's handing out flu kits and delivering meals to sick students.
