Coaches and athletes feel effects of H1N1 virus
Charles Schulz
Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: Sports
"I would say six of the top seven [women] runners have had the flu at one point or another during the season," Woods said. "I was more of a doctor than I've ever been." He also noted that two of the top male runners also came down with the flu.
"With this virus, the problem is that the fevers are lasting three to five, to six, to seven days for some people" Radi said. "As far as athletes are concerned, it really puts them out for a significant period of time."
Blue Wave head coach Paul Dotterweich said he feared what an extended absence during the season could do to a swimmer. "It may not end [their season], but it could ruin it," he said.
Dotterweich went on to explain that just being out of the water for a week can impact a swimmer's performance for the rest season, in addition to the added fatigue that comes from recovering from the disease.
Dotterweich said that he hopes the athletes will "get it out of their system" before the more crucial meets near the end of the season. Players are out of luck if they fall ill at the wrong time, Dotterweich said. "If you're sick at the end of the year, 'Sorry.'"
The Geneseo athletic department is doing its best to keep all of the student-athletes healthy. Nutrition and rest are essential, as Woods said, plus staying away from situations that put them at risk. For our athletes, let's keep those hands washed and sanitized fingers crossed.
"With this virus, the problem is that the fevers are lasting three to five, to six, to seven days for some people" Radi said. "As far as athletes are concerned, it really puts them out for a significant period of time."
Blue Wave head coach Paul Dotterweich said he feared what an extended absence during the season could do to a swimmer. "It may not end [their season], but it could ruin it," he said.
Dotterweich went on to explain that just being out of the water for a week can impact a swimmer's performance for the rest season, in addition to the added fatigue that comes from recovering from the disease.
Dotterweich said that he hopes the athletes will "get it out of their system" before the more crucial meets near the end of the season. Players are out of luck if they fall ill at the wrong time, Dotterweich said. "If you're sick at the end of the year, 'Sorry.'"
The Geneseo athletic department is doing its best to keep all of the student-athletes healthy. Nutrition and rest are essential, as Woods said, plus staying away from situations that put them at risk. For our athletes, let's keep those hands washed and sanitized fingers crossed.
Be the first to comment on this story