Coronavirus information and a reminder about the flu

January 27, 2020

Dear Members of the Skidmore Community,

You have likely seen media reports of cases of an illness caused by a new type of coronavirus, known as 2019-nCoV, first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring this outbreak and is providing regular updates to the public.

Currently, there are no cases of 2019-nCoV at Skidmore College. Skidmore Health Services has been closely monitoring developments and coordinating our efforts with the Saratoga County Public Health Department. Any student with the following symptoms and who has been to China in the last 14 days should seek screening at Health Services by calling 518-580-5550. Faculty and staff should call their primary care provider. Health Services is screening all students with respiratory illness for recent travel. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Fever
Shortness of breath
Cough

Reminder About Influenza (the flu)

Flu activity is widespread in most of the United States and is expected to increase over the next several weeks and months.

What to do if sick with the flu or other viral illnesses:

Students with flu-like symptoms should stay home.
Ill students should limit contact with others who are not sick.
Those with flu-like symptoms should not return to class until they no longer have a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Health Services is open from 9 am-4:30 pm Monday - Friday, closed for lunch from 12-1 pm. The office is also open on Sundays from 12-5 pm for walk-in visits. For emergencies, please call Campus Safety at 518-580-5566 or go to a hospital.

Illness Prevention

Everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that cause many different illnesses. We recommend these precautions:

Wash hands frequently with soap and hot water.
Wipe down frequently touched or shared surfaces (such as doorknobs, tables, counters, faucets, etc.) after each use with a disinfectant wipe.
Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing using your sleeve (the crook of your elbow) or a tissue, not your hands.
Avoid sharing food and drinks, cups, utensils, water bottles, etc.
Social distancing- keeping 6 feet away from others when possible.
Get a flu shot. Flu shots are available at most local pharmacies and may be covered by your health insurance; please call in advance for availability. Here is a link that can be helpful finding the availability of flu vaccine: https://vaccinefinder.org/

For additional information about the Corona Virus and the flu visit Health Services Resources and Information HERE

Our goal is for everyone to have a healthy and productive semester. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns at 518-580-5550 or health@skidmore.edu

Thank-you,
Health Services Staff