Health Services provides H1N1 (swine) flu update

College Commencement proceeding as planned

Swine flu is major news, both globally and in New York State. On May 11, the first confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1 swine flu) was reported in Saratoga County.  The patient is a 12-year-old who attends school in Hadley, a town located about 20 miles northwest of Saratoga Springs.

It has been reported that the child’s symptoms are those of a mild seasonal flu, as is consistent with the overwhelming majority of confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) cases. The child and family had recently traveled out of state (not to Mexico) and it is believed the illness was contracted during that visit–the child did not come in contact with novel influenza A (H1N1) locally.  The child is now out of school and recovering at home.

Skidmore’s Health Services and Campus Safety offices have been closely monitoring the status of novel influenza A (H1N1) information as provided by various public health agencies.  The current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control states as follows:

"On the basis of what is currently known about the ongoing spread of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, as a means to prevent the further spread of disease on and off campus, institutions should encourage persons with ILI (Influenza-Like Illness) to stay home and away from large gatherings. Persons who are sick should be instructed to limit their contact with other people as much as possible and to stay home for seven days after their symptoms begin or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. In addition, they should be reminded to use appropriate respiratory and hand hygiene. Gatherings may include graduations and commencement activities, concerts, sporting events, and other gatherings where close contact is likely among a large number of attendees.”

Based on this advice, Skidmore College is planning to go forward with its Commencement activities as previously announced.  We do ask that individuals with flu symptoms remain at home, consistent with the CDC guidance.  As a precaution, the College will have handwashing stations located on the grounds of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and various locations on campus where we expect large numbers of people to gather.
 
Although there is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel influenza A (H1N1), the following good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses:
 
• Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school/classes and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. See your health care provider if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
• Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not readily available, alcohol-based hand cleaners/sanitizers may be used.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. 

Skidmore students with a sudden onset of fever over 100.4 degrees F, and/or sore throat, cough, headache, and body aches should come to Health Services to be evaluated. Staff and faculty should seek care at their local health care provider.

The federal Centers for Disease Control is continuing to recommend that non-essential travel to Mexico be postponed at this time. For more information on swine flu and the current CDC recommendations, visit the following web site.

Click here to view the Skidmore Pandemic Planning web site, which contains a message from President Philip A. Glotzbach and links to international, federal, and state organizations responsible for public health. The state Health Department has a page of Frequently Asked Questions about novel influenza A (H1N1).  Click here to access.

Office of Health Services
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Ext. 5550