At least 68 students at the University of Richmond have reported symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus since classes began Aug. 24, university officials confirmed today.

The Emergency Management Team at Richmond met this morning to confirm the number of students with influenza-like illness, said Brian Eckert, director of media and public relations.

Of the 68 students who have visited the University Health Center, 10 are still recovering, Eckert said.

The health center has been especially busy, Eckert said. Health center officials have reported about twice as many visitors at this time, compared to last year.

Richmond is in line to receive inoculations for the H1N1 virus by mid- to late-October, Eckert said. The inoculations will be available to all students, faculty and staff when they arrive.

H1N1 and other forms of influenza are droplet-borne illnesses, where droplets from a cough or sneeze end up on surrounding surfaces, Eckert said. University officials are recommending students, faculty and staff to frequently wash hands and use hand sanitizer.

“We want to make sure that people know this is not an air-borne disease,” Eckert said.

This story will be updated.

Contact staff writer Nick Mider at nick.mider@richmond.edu