Update on H1N1 Novel Virus (Swine Flu)
Letter to students and parents about H1N1 
Like other public and private educational institutions, Finger Lakes Community College continues to monitor the global outbreak of the swine flu. Although a number of cases have been confirmed in New York state, we have no indication that anyone at our FLCC campus locations has contracted the swine flu. FLCC will continue to work closely with state and federal health officials to monitor the situation, and any updates to the schedule of classes or campus activities will be posted to alert our campus community and others should additional measures be taken. For now, we continue to emphasize that anyone with flu-like symptoms should seek medical treatment and follow recovery guidelines, including staying home from school and work and refraining from travel. We also strongly recommend that everyone adopt the precautionary measures outlined below which are recommended by local health officials and the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta.
This is an evolving situation. Please be aware that recommendations involving FLCC campus locations may be altered as more information becomes available. At this point, we have no reason to close school, dismiss classes, or take more aggressive action to protect the health and welfare of our campus community. If this were to change, we will work closely with local health officials to determine and fully communicate the appropriate next steps.
Symptoms of the H1N1 swine flu resemble those of the regular seasonal flu. These may include:
- Fever greater than 100°F
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue (weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy)
- Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting, which are not usual symptoms of seasonal flu
Those with flu-like illness should stay away from classes and limit interactions with other people (called “self-isolation”), except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
Precautionary guidelines:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel; use soap and water and wash long enough to sing Happy Birthday twice. If you don't have soap and water, use alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Stay away from people who are sick, if possible.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Dispose of tissues properly in the garbage.
What you should do if you become sick:
- If you are an FLCC student experiencing flu-like symptoms, call: Karen Stein, Health Services Director, at (585)785-1297
- If you are an FLCC employee or faculty member experiencing flu-like symptoms, call: Grace Loomis, Human Resources Director, at (585)785-1451. Also, we urge you to visit your health care professional immediately.
- Be prepared to stay home if you develop flu symptoms for at least 24 hours and until you no longer have symptoms and are fever-free.
- Call you doctor by telephone, or other remote means, before going to the clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital.
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
If you are ill and must leave home and go into a crowd, wear a face mask to reduce spreading the virus. If a face mask is unavailable, use tissues to cover any coughing.
Other steps you can take if you feel sick are to:
- Stay home as soon as you feel sick.
- Ask your doctor about antiviral medicines.
- Do not attend public events.
Additional information
For more information about swine flu, please visit the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and all your efforts to follow the precautionary guidelines. All of these efforts will help to safeguard the health and well being of our entire community.