Swine Flu Update, Monday May 4th

As of this morning, the influenza cases at Amherst College are still undergoing testing at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Amherst officials are hoping to receive confirmation of the status of these tests early this week. Please watch this blog or the town's main website for updates. You will also find links to the CDC's downloadable Swine Flu Factsheet on the town website.

So far, there are 7 confirmed cases of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) in Massachusetts, and 226 cases in the entire United States, with only one confirmed death.

For the time being, please practice basic precautions such as handwashing, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding public places when you are ill. If you have symptoms of flu such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or fatigue, please call your medical provider.

If you have general questions about swine flu, please call 211 to reach the MA Department of Public Health's Swine Flu Hotline which operates 24 hours per day. As always, please feel free to call the Amherst Health Department at 259-3077.