We’re barely a week into the quarter, and campus-wide concern about the H1N1 flu virus — also known as swine flu — is already spreading like a California wildfire.

Some of the concern is merited, considering how detrimental the virus can be. The devastating effects of H1N1 have already been felt at other universities across North America, and taking precautions to reduce its impact here is definitely an important step toward a relatively healthy school year. I’m sure students are doing their best to avoid the virus altogether by any means necessary.

There’s no doubt that being sick is horrible, and having swine flu doubly so. I’ve watched the virus virtually cripple my brother and numerous friends and been on the receiving end of swine flu while trying to enjoy a Hawaiian vacation. It’s not fun. It’s the kind of illness many people will go out of their ways to avoid — in some cases, a little too far out of their ways.

In theory, it’s a great idea to wear a mask everywhere you go, swab down every surface you touch, and spend your free time holed up in your germ-free room. If you’re determined to not catch the swine flu, those steps will certainly ensure you avoid the piggy-peril. However, going to such great lengths to sidestep H1N1 can have its own batch of side effects.

While catching the swine flu might not be a lot of fun, you’re also not going to have any fun tensed up all day, washing off every surface you see and weaving past groups of people that you encounter. If you’re avoiding spending time with friends or skipping social events because you’re concerned about picking up H1N1 from some negligent partygoer, what are you accomplishing?

Perpetually staying inside is almost as bad as catching swine flu and ending up stuck in your room anyway. Though you may not feel the effects of the virus while taking a precautionary vacation in your room, you’re still stopping yourself from going out based on the premise that you could contract swine flu with no guarantee that you would actually end up ill. Letting fear of the swine flu control your life is just as bad as contracting the virus itself.

Numerous friends have informed me of their plans to avoid social gatherings at all costs, already opting out of attending any Dawg Daze activities and avoiding student gatherings whenever possible.

I can’t help but feel like they’re missing out on everything they used to enjoy in the process of being safe. Being so solitary not only dampens the college experience, but it can quickly lead to other problems commonly linked with isolation, such as burnout and even depression.

I’m all for being careful, but when trying to protect yourself from a cold turns into more than common sense and diligence, your actions can begin to impact your life in subversively negative ways. Missing out on all of your favorite autumn social activities is one of them.

Use your best judgment and take care to avoid catching H1N1 — but don’t let worry be your downfall.

Reach contributing columnist Gavin Verhey at opinion@dailyuw.com.