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NORTON - Reports of flu-like symptoms already appearing at colleges nationwide could be a sign of what Wheaton College could be facing, Associate Dean of Health and Wellness Craig Andrade said Thursday.

With both seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu as looming threats, Wheaton officials are monitoring the situation, educating the campus about developments, cleaning shared equipment more often and having departments work together toward preventing people from getting sick, Andrade said.

Andrade spoke to about 20 faculty and staff members during an hour-long flu preparedness session in the Woolley Room in Wheaton's Mary Lyon Hall.

"Pretty much every department you come from is having this conversation," said Andrade, who is also Wheaton's director of student health.

Andrade cited a report stating that 73 percent, or 149 of 204 reporting colleges have identified new influenza cases over their first two weeks in session. In Maine, 29 students at Bowdoin College's Brunswick campus have gotten H1N1 since classes began, according to the Associated Press.

Wheaton will offer the seasonal flu vaccine to students, faculty and staff later this month, and the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available, according to the college's Web site.

Andrade said ages 6 months to 24 years are considered high risk for getting H1N1.

"Smack dab in the middle is the college population, which is why we're really trying to get the message out in every way possible," he said.

Besides Thursday forum, Andrade's office has spread that word through Wheaton's Web site and signs around campus urging people to wash their hands.

Staff in public places, such as the computer labs and fitness center, are wiping down public equipment regularly, he added.

Additional hand sanitizer dispensers are being placed around campus as well.

"It's about washing your hands regularly. That's your personal protection system," Andrade said.