Since start of classes, 20 students show flu-like symptoms

Skidmore's Emergency Management Team continues to work closely with the Saratoga County and New York State health departments to monitor Novel H1N1 (swine) influenza conditions and to respond to concerns surrounding the flu this year . For now,Skidmore is operating as usual , but a number of colleges around the country are reporting major outbreaks. The situation at Skidmore could change rapidly.

As part of our effort to keep the Skidmore community informed about the risks of influenza and ways to minimize its spread, we will post on the Skidmore Web site each Friday afternoon a flu advisory that reportsH1N1 updates locally and nationally, as well asthe number of students whom Health Services has identified during the week as having influenza-like symptoms.

Incidence of Flu: Health Services reports that a total of 20 Skidmore students have shown influenza-like symptoms since the start of classes. Symptoms include fever of at least 100 degrees F and a cough and/or sore throat. Some students exhibited additional symptoms including runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. Health Services has advised these students to isolate themselves from other students, faculty and staff to the greatest extent possible for 24 hours after they have no fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

Vaccinations: This year, Health Services is again offering clinics for seasonal flu vaccinations and will alert the campus community about clinic scheduling. The College will offer Novel H1N1 flu vaccinations, as soon as they become available. Administration of the vaccinations will be in accordance with prioritization guidelines established by the CDC and NYS Health Department. Health Services will provide details about seasonal flu clinics and the availability of H1N1 vaccine via e-mail and web announcements.

Study Abroad:Off-Campus Study & Exchanges is monitoring local conditions for students studying off campus to ensure that we are aware of changes affecting both international and domestic off-campus programs. Because health concerns and responses will vary depending on the location of each program and the severity of the local conditions, OCSE is developing individual response plans with each program partner. OCSE will communicate directly with students and parents as concerns arise and will post updates on both its Web site and thePandemic Plansite. If you plan to travel abroad, OCSE advises you to stayinformed of international H1N1 developments by following several Web sites dedicated to healthy travelling. You'll find links to these sites on the Pandemic Plan links page.

For more information about the College's response to the H1N1 virus and ways you can reduce your risk, please visit our Pandemic Plan Web site.

W. Rochelle Calhoun
Dean of Student Affairs and
Chair, Emergency Management Team