Number of people with flu-like symptoms on rise

At this point in the fall semester, Skidmore's Health Services reports that a total of 32 students have shown influenza-like symptoms since the academic year began, with eight new cases having developed in the past week.

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.

Incidence of Flu: Symptoms of flu 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: Health Services has provided seasonal flu vaccinations to students upon request, and many have availed themselves of the opportunity.Walk-in clinics for faculty and staff to receive the seasonal flu vaccine are scheduled as follows:

Thursday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor, room 4

Friday, Oct. 9, 8 to 9:30 a.m. in the Sports Center (classroom off main lobby)

Thursday, Oct. 22,10 a.m. to noon in North Hall (large conference room)

The cost of the vaccine is $20 and may be paid in cash, by check (made payable to Skidmore College) or through your Skidmore declining balance account. There is also a limited supply of preservative-free vaccine at a cost of $25 each.

More students than ever have received their flu shot this year, which means there will be less vaccine to offer employees. Because supplies will be limited, obtaining the vaccine at a local clinic or from your primary care provider should be considered. Many local pharmacies are also conducting ongoing flu vaccine clinics. Click here for information that may be helpful in finding local clinics.

Receiving a flu shot is a personal decision. If you have questions about whether you should get a flu shot, please consult your health-care provider. The viruses in the flu vaccine are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from receiving a flu shot. However, some common minor side effects that could occur are soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given; fever (low grade); and body aches. If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last one to two days. Nearly all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it.

Health Services will also be a Point of Distribution (POD) for the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. Administration of H1N1 vaccines will be in accordance with prioritization guidelines established by the CDC and NYS Health Department. Updates will be provided via email and web announcements. For more information about the College's response to the H1N1 virus and ways you can reduce your risk, please visit Skidmore's Pandemic Plan Web site.

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