Flu-like illness still evident on campus

October 30, 2009

Skidmore continues to record increases in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) on campus.  A total of 30 new cases of ILI have been identified between Oct. 23 and 30, making a cumulative total of 130 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.  

Despite the growth in the number of cases reported, 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.

Health Services will implement clinics for H1N1 vaccination late next week.  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. Priority for vaccination at these early clinics will be given to students, and registration to obtain the vaccination will be through an online mechanism delivered only to students. 

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.