Cornell's Gannett Health Services issues precautions about swine flu


Dr. Janet Corson-Rikert, executive director of Gannett Health Services, issued the following statement about precautions to take regarding the swine flu.

News reports of cases of human infection with swine influenza have naturally created public health concerns among members of the Cornell community. The university's Gannett Health Services is working closely with county and state health department officials to monitor information and recommendations related to this emerging public health situation.

At this time, there have been no reported cases of swine influenza affecting anyone within the Cornell community, including those in Ithaca, Geneva, N.Y., and New York City. However, all members of our community are being asked to take common sense personal health precautions to protect themselves and others from possible infection:

  • Cover coughs and sneezes in your arm or sleeve, or with tissues
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
  • If you are feeling ill, please stay at home
  • Call your health-care provider or Gannett Health Services if you have flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue):
    • Students, student partners and spouses, including those at Cornell programs outside of Ithaca, may call Gannett Health Services (607-255-5155) if they have concerns regarding their personal health or questions about swine flu not addressed on the Gannett web site.
    • Faculty, staff, others: Call your primary care provider or your local health department.

If you have recently visited an area affected by swine flu, closely monitor your health for seven days, and if you develop flu symptoms, immediately call your primary care provider, your local health department or Gannett Health Services.

Medical experts have determined that while this human influenza virus (H1N1) has some genetic links to a swine influenza virus, it is spreading people-to-people and it is not being acquired directly from pigs or from properly cooked pork.

For more detailed information, including symptoms to watch for, recommendations and updates about swine influenza, please access the Gannett Health Services web site at: health.cornell.edu

This site also contains links to additional information from: the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health - including its hotline at 1-800-808-1987; and from the World Health Organization.

The university will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, as needed.

Dr. Janet Corson-Rikert
Executive Director
Gannett Health Services