7 new cases of flu-like illness in past week

This year Skidmore's Health Services is maintaining an influenza illness log using the case definition provided by the Centers for Disease Control. We are reporting all patients that meet the influenza-like illness (ILI) definition unless diagnostic tests confirm a cause other than influenza.

As of Oct. 16, a total of 48 students have been documented as having IFL since the start of the academic year, with seven new cases reported in the past week.

Health Services is obtaining information for the ILI log from both students seen in the on-campus office and students phoning to report illness.

The College recently installed 37 hand-sanitizing stations around campus, according to The Skidmore News. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended by the CDC to contain the spread of germs when soap and water are not available. The stations are located in high-traffic areas around the campus including Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, Case Center, and a number of academic buildings.

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.

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.

Updates will be provided via email and web announcements. For more information about the College's response to the H1N1 virus and ways to reduce risk, please visit Skidmore's Pandemic Plan Web site.