Reports of flu-like illness increase

October 23, 2009

Skidmore has seen a significant increase in reports of influenza-like illness (ILI) on campus this week.  A total of 49 new cases of ILI have been identified between Oct. 16 and 22, making a cumulative total of 97 cases reported since the academic year started.

The College's Health Services Office continues to maintain an ILI log, using the case definition provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We are reporting all patients that meet the influenza-like illness (ILI) definition unless diagnostic tests confirm a cause other than influenza. Health Services is obtaining information for the ILI log from both students seen in the on-campus office and students phoning to report illness.  

According to Patricia Bosen, clinical director of Health Services, despite the growth in the number of cases, the treatment remains essentially the same. Students are being urged to self-isolate and undertake measures for their own care, including taking over-the-counter fever/pain-reducing medicine, and staying hydrated.  Students are asked to enlist the help of friends/roommates to obtain food and fluids at the dining hall.  Health Services is providing Tamiflu for those who meet the criteria. It is recommended that students wait until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication before resuming a regular schedule.

Testing to confirm the presence of H1N1 continues to be a source of many questions.  According to Bosen, "No one is being tested unless they are critically ill and in a hospital. We have been advised not to do it because the treatment would not change based on the test results.  We are treating based on symptoms and presuming that the illness is H1N1."  A New York Times story published online Oct. 23 reports, "The only flu circulating now is swine flu—seasonal flu is not expected to emerge for another month."

Skidmore expects to announce that clinics for H1N1 vaccination will take place in early November.  Details will be announced online and via email alerts once the schedule has been established. Vaccination will be administered following NYS Health Department and CDC guidelines.

Incidence of Flu: Symptoms of flu include fever of at least 100 degrees F and a cough and/or sore throat. Some students have exhibited additional symptoms including runny nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, or vomiting.

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.

Tags: h1n1, seasonal flu