The spectre of swine flu has swept into Otago University.
Last semester, while there were scares, swine flu cases remained rare and for most it seemed like a far-off fear.
Over the semester holidays, the number of people who had contracted the swine flu virus (an H1N1 strain of influenza) rose from a tiny scattering of the NZ population, to several thousand, meaning swine flu infecting many on campus was now a very likely reality.
Almost every lecture refers to swine flu, urging students to keep away if they have any of the symptoms, for fear of closing the university. This again is a likely reality, proved many other areas of the world closing schools and universities.
Upon inspection, it does not seem that many students are taking the advice of Student Health seriously.
As a consequence, one notes constant coughing, sneezing and lamentations of students; these, for once, are probably signs of something other than "fresher flu".
The University has attempted to contain the problem by installing hand sanitiser dispensers beside every lecture theatre and seminar room. E
ven the format of lectures has changed - more information is put on lecture slides to enable sick students can access it on Blackboard.
Some students have wisely decided to adhere to the recommendations of quarantine if they experience symptoms, but this has proven difficult for those in cramped, unsanitary flats, or halls.
Not all students have the luxury of going home.