Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

The Agnes Scott College administration is carefully monitoring the outbreak of swine flu that has raised concerns around the world.

Currently, this area of the country has had no reported cases of swine flu. We will keep you informed of any new developments via e-mail as well as on this Agnes Scott emergency Web site.

Here is some specific information relevant to our campus community:

• The CDC and the US State Department issued a "travel alert" recommending that US citizens avoid "all nonessential travel to Mexico" due to the swine flu outbreak. This alert is valid through July 27, 2009.
• In compliance with this advice, all ASC-sponsored student programs that involve travel to Mexico have been canceled.
• Any ASC students currently studying in Mexico as part of their academic program will be returning home.
• We are reviewing our crisis management protocol and are prepared to meet any local challenges that may come up.
• Colleges are more susceptible to the spread of illness because of the communal living environment.
• Be sure to come to Student Health Services if you have symptoms. The nurse practitioners can evaluate and treat the symptoms. The symptoms include:
  
  • a sudden fever
  • body aches and pains
  • coughing
  • unexplained fatigue
  • lack of appetite


• Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• This is mainly a respiratory illness. If you smoke, this is a great time to quit. Your immune system will thank you!
• Stay informed; this is an evolving situation. Here are Web sites with excellent information:
  
  • http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • http://www.emergencyreport.com World Health Organization

During this final exam time, it is important that you do your best to stay healthy. Remember the basics--eat well, sleep--you will think better. Also, wash your hands, stay home from work or school if you feel sick and cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.