The University’s Crisis Committee decided to close the FitNest in the Harper Center Wednesday, to prepare it to be a possible isolation site for the H1N1 influenza.

Dustin Crichton, Assistant Director of Residence Life, said eight beds in residence halls were established for students with “influenza-like illnesses,” (ILI) but almost all of them are full.

Once those beds are full, students who aren’t able to go home for the illness, will be put in the FitNest.

By this time, there aren’t conclusive tests for H1N1 being performed. If a person tests positive for Influenza A, it is presumed the person has H1N1.

“We had a meeting on it this morning and decided to take a precautionary measure in case the beds we have get filled,” Crichton said.

Wayne Young Jr., Assistant Vice President for Student Services/Student Learning, said 20 cots have been moved into the FitNest, with separate areas for women and men, plus an area for food and showers. The air in the FitNest has it’s own circulation system so the germs do not spread into the Harper Center, Young said.

“We have five students as of Wednesday at 1 p.m. that are in social isolation for ILIs,” Young said.

Generally, since the beginning of the school year, between two and four students had ILI’s, but this weeks has jumped to five with the cold weather and run-down immunity systems so close to midterms week.

“We are hoping that we don’t end up having to use it, and we don’t expect to,” he said.

Elizabeth Timberlake, Arts & Sciences sophomore, college year, was quarantined for a week after testing positive for Influenza A. She and her roommate were both sick and were confined to their rooms and had to wear masks when around other people.

Doe said the week-long confinement to her room hindered her progress with classes.

“I couldn’t study at all for two days because my fever was so high and I slept over 20 hours,” she said. “Then, I was able to get back on track and I’m caught up in the classes that require the most effort.

“The best part is all the sleep. The worst parts are missing class and a test and not being able to breathe fresh air.”