Although fewer than 10 Dartmouth students have reported influenza-like illnesses amidst the resurgence of the H1N1 virus this fall, College officials expect that number will quickly rise as more students arrive for the beginning of the term, according to College Health Services Director John Turco.
"It is not if we're going to get the outbreak, it's when and how effective we can be to keep it as limited as possible," Turco said.
Several hundred students are currently on campus for Dartmouth Outing Club Trips, pre-season athletic training and other obligations.
"I have not heard of any [students with swine flu]," head athletic trainer Jeffrey Frechette said in an interview with The Dartmouth. "I don't think, as far as I know, that there has been any widespread reporting of flu-like symptoms."
Since Cornell University's fall semester began on Aug. 27, about 535 students have contacted Gannett Health Services with flu-like symptoms, which includes a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater and either a cough or sore throat, according to Cornell's web site. After Cornell junior Warren Schor died of complications from swine flu on Friday, the Cornell Inter-Fraternity Council implemented a freeze on social events for one week to help prevent the spread of swine flu on campus.
At Dartmouth, Turco said health officials hope students remember that drinking games that involve sharing cups can help spread the swine flu virus.
"The worst thing that anyone can do at this time is to share cups," Turco said.
Dartmouth officials recommend that students with flu-like symptoms isolate themselves until they have not had a fever for 24 hours, Turco said.
Symptomatic students who cannot go home should minimize contact with others by remaining in their rooms and wearing flu masks, Turco said. Turco also advised that students find a "flu buddy," a friend that can bring food for the student isolated in his or her room.
The College has informed faculty members that students will have to miss class if they experience flu-like symptoms, Turco said, and professors will have to work with students who miss class. Turco noted, however, that the College's suggestions are recommendations only, and are not mandatory.
"It is not practical or possible to make [the recommendations] mandatory," Turco said. "This should be a principle of community."
Vaccinations for the seasonal flu will be available this fall for Dartmouth students and employees, as will the vaccine for the H1N1 virus when it is made available, Turco said.
