ATLANTA—As of Sept. 2, the second week of classes, Agnes Scott College has no confirmed cases of H1N1.

The college’s Wellness Center has seen only five cases of students with “flu-like” symptoms. Nurse practitioners examine and test students with fever, muscle aches, sore throat and runny nose. Ill students usually are tested for strep throat and for Influenza A and B (H1N1 is a novel form of Influenza A). To date, no one has tested positive for Influenza A or B.

“This news so far is really good for us,” said Agnes Scott President Elizabeth Kiss. “However, we are being vigilant in educating our campus community on preventive measures, providing resources for prevention and planning to handle the illness should it reach us—and, if reports are to be believed—it will.”

When ill students visit Agnes Scott’s Wellness Center, those with a fever are given a mask and placed in an examination room reserved for students with flu-like symptoms only.

Practical measures are in place also. Hand sanitizer units were installed in strategic locations around campus last year, and disposable sanitizing wipes are being placed in classrooms and computer labs for cleaning desks and equipment more frequently than the regular schedule.

Provisions have been made to isolate and treat ill students, handle class absences for both the students and their professors and ensure continuation of class instruction.

“Since decisions about the delivery date and process have not been made, we do not know when Agnes Scott will receive the H1N1 vaccine,” said Kiss. “But our health professionals and the college’s administration are watching closely for that information.

“In the meantime, we are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated for the regular seasonal flu, which will also be around this year. Those vaccines for Agnes Scott are expected to be delivered early next week.”

Regularly updated information about the status of H1N1 at Agnes Scott, as well as preventive measures will be found at www.agnesscott.edu and at emergency.agnesscott.edu.