Whether or not the the present influenza season becomes as severe as some medical experts are forecasting, many colleges and prep schools are adopting prudent health policies, which are worth examining and emulating. Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, CT, for example, has provided to parents via email its published policy for dealing with the flu. Cornell University recently emailed to students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff a statement of condolence from the University’s President concerning the tragic death of an undergraduate due to H1N1 influenza complications. President Skorton’s letter provides a link to a bulletin from the campus health service alerting students to the risks of influenza and how to recognize the warning signs of a potentially severe illness. President Skorton’s letter also provide a link to Cornell’s newly launched web-site, You & the Flu, which provides additional detailed information concerning the University’s response to H1N1 influenza from the standpoint of transportation, dining services, dormitory life, the Cornell work place and class attendance. In summary, these Cornell web-based resources and associated links provide an excellent model for any educational institution in Fairfield County that has yet to devise a comprehensive policy for combating H1N1.
