All university students who shadow at a clinical site should strongly consider getting immunized for both H1N1 and seasonal flu as soon as the vaccine becomes available, if it is not already mandated for you. In New York State all healthcare workers are being mandated to get both vaccines for seasonal flu and H1N1. This includes physicians, nurses, social workers, laboratory technicians, housekeeping, security/transportation services, construction workers, and even hospital volunteers. Technically, even construction workers and food vendors need to get vaccinated now. Thus far, New York State is the only state to have passed this mandate. Earlier this week, nurse union leaders led demonstrations in Washington D.C., claiming that this mandate is unethical.

A line of people spilled out of the Straight Memorial Room onto Ho Plaza, took a bend outside the Cornell Store and stretched all the way to McGraw Tower Friday. The line could be spotted for the entire day, when about 2,000 people received their seasonal flu shot.

Gannett Health Service’s vaccination clinic, the first opportunity for many Cornellians to receive a flu shot this semester, was the largest clinic Gannett had ever held, according to Sharon Dittman, associate director of community relations at Gannett.

However, uncertainly over the arrival of additional vaccine may delay future clinics.

The Interfraternity Council voted unanimously last night to lift most of the restrictions it had imposed on fraternity social events over the past several weeks due to H1N1 concerns. The Council decided to remove its ban on large, open parties but reaffirmed mandatory safety precautions and the prohibition of drinking games.Members of the square table: Interfraternity Council members meet at Willard Straight Hall yesterday where they voted to lift the ban on open parties.

The IFC vote comes after a week of slowed flu-related activity at Gannett Health Services, which had been swamped with calls and visits over the past few weeks.

With each day, fear of the swine flu epidemic continues to surround campus. This year’s battle with H1N1 is not, however, the first that Cornell has encountered. In 1918 the Spanish flu, a similar strain of the H1N1 influenza virus, made its way through Tompkins County, claiming the lives of students, faculty members and citizens of Ithaca.

“The flu of ’18 was unique in that it had an effect on young adults, a fact that put students at risk,” said Barbara Hammond, a medical technologist who researched the impact of influenza on the Tompkins county population. “The infirmary was so overrun with cases that the University opened Cascadilla Hall as an emergency hospital.”

Having been to two Inter-Fraternity Council meetings thus far in the fall semester, I find myself shocked at the ways in which the IFC takes action, conducts meetings and — most importantly — at how little expressed dissent there is to the current state of this very powerful council.

Late Sunday, as dusk descended upon Ithaca, bringing grey skies and the first whisper of an autumn chill, a moribund message appeared on the screen of our computer: “Sorry, we could not access the web page www.CornellSun.com because we cannot find the server.” Shriek — VILLAINOUS chaos ensued around us! What is the meaning in all of this — “can’t find the server”?! Has the newsroom been subjected to a VILLAINOUS Orwellian experiment, with twisted intentions to make us sleep-deprived editors face certain social, intellectual and mental doom? What would happen without technology? What could ensue besides pure catastrophe? Needless to say, it was dirty and messy and forced us to almost shut down operations across the board. Well, not quite ...

In recent weeks, the media has reported that various college football teams across the country have become afflicted with swine flu. Despite increased warnings about sanitizing hands and exhibiting proper hygiene, the H1N1 virus is still having an impact.

As swine flu rumors circulated across campus seemingly more quickly than the H1N1 virus itself, Cornell officials said yesterday that the University would remain open and there were no plans to cancel or modify classes unless the outbreak significantly worsens or a new strain of the flu emerges.

“We’re trying to be both reactive, as well as proactive on behalf of the institution,” Vice President for Student and Academic Services Susan Murphy ’74 said yesterday of the University's planning efforts.

Nonetheless, the past several weeks — during which time Gannett has diagnosed 623 cases of probable H1N1 flu and one student has died from H1N1 flu complications –– have proven to be a major test of Cornell's emergency management infrastructure and planning.

Cornell is preparing for high rates of student and faculty absences as a result of the H1N1 influenza outbreak. Admin­istrators have warned faculty that some classroom policies may need to change to accommodate students who become ill with the flu. Attendance policies, assignment deadlines and make-up exams may need to be modified, Provost Kent Fuchs wrote in a letter to faculty.

On Wednesday, the faculty senate passed a resolution encouraging instructors to be flexible when students catch the flu so that students do not feel they need to come to class.

Instructors are encouraged “to offer make-up exams following scheduled examinations, delayed due dates for other assignments and excusal of classes missed due to illness,” the resolution said.

To the Editor:

Re: “IFC Halts Frat Parties Amid Swine Flu Worries,” News, Sept. 10

We commend the student leaders of the Inter-Fraternity Council for their reasonable response to the current challenging health situation. By calling for a pause on large parties, they are educating their classmates about public-health precautions as well as practical steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of further spreading flu. Asking fellow students not to hold parties, even for a short time, is a significant step. Acting in support of one another's well-being is part of being a caring community. We urge others to take similar actions to promote the health of their friends, classmates and colleagues.

Susan Murphy, Vice President for Student and Academic Services