Update to the Hamilton Community
September 15, 2009
Late yesterday afternoon, a Hamilton student went to the Health Center with flu-like symptoms consistent with the H1N1 virus. A culture was taken and we expect to have the results in 24-48 hours. In the meantime, as a precaution, the student has been isolated in a private room on campus. Arrangements have been made to have meals delivered to his room and his professors have been contacted.
A new Web page (
www.hamilton.edu/swineflu) contains information about the virus and the steps you can take to reduce your chances of contracting it. Please familiarize yourself with the symptoms of the flu and seek treatment should you begin to feel ill. Updates about the virus will be posted to that site and further campus announcements will be sent as warranted.
Whether or not this specific case turns out to be positive for H1N1, given the nature of the virus, it is likely we will encounter cases on campus. Please continue to practice good hygiene and take common-sense precautions to reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus. Any student experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact the Health Center promptly.
As a reminder, the College has scheduled a flu shot clinic (students only please) tomorrow in the Health Center. The vaccine is for seasonal flu. A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is still in development.
Nancy Thompson
Dean of Students
