A weekly update from Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley with community health information, important resources and announcements of any changes to protocols.
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Key health information in this week’s update includes:
- Additional flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster clinic added
- Viruses affecting the campus and local community
Additional flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster clinic added
Due to strong interest in the on-campus flu and COVID-19 booster vaccine clinics, we have added an additional clinic date on Tuesday, November 29, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Lakeside 214. Advance registration is recommended. This will be the final COVID-19 booster/flu vaccine clinic of the term.
We are already experiencing an uptick in flu cases this semester. Student Health Services has reported 91 cases of influenza-like illness and confirmed 11 cases of the flu this semester. This is earlier than last year when our first confirmed case of the flu was in late November.
University officials join the CDC in strongly recommending the flu vaccine as one of several preventative measures to reduce transmission and negative health outcomes.
Whether through an on-campus clinic or at home during the Thanksgiving Break, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to get updated with both the latest COVID-19 booster and annual flu vaccine.
Viruses affecting the campus and local community
In addition to the flu and COVID-19, there are also other illnesses circulating at this time, including RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and common colds, in addition to allergy symptoms that are due to pollens and leaf or tree molds very common in our area.
It is important to know the difference between flu and cold symptoms, flu and COVID symptoms, and the symptoms of RSV. If you are experiencing symptoms, wear a mask in public and consult with a healthcare provider, including TimelyCare (available 24/7 to students), Student Health Services, or the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic.
Steps to reducing the spread of communicable diseases include:
- Wear a mask at all times when around others if you are ill
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often
- Limit your exposure to others, especially in close social settings
- Do not share drinks
As a reminder, it is always a good idea to have over-the-counter medications on hand to treat symptoms of cold, flu and fever. Over-the-counter cold and flu medications (including fever reducers) and at-home COVID-19 tests are available for purchase on campus at Fountain Market in Clohan Hall. Other options for purchase and on-campus delivery of prescription and over-the-counter medications are available on the Student Health Services website.
Community health status update
Each Tuesday afternoon by 4 p.m., the university COVID-19 webpage is updated with information about the status of COVID-19 in our community. The site also includes a link to the latest information about the CDC COVID-19 community levels, which are currently at Low in Alamance and Guilford counties.
Our next Community Health Update will be next Wednesday, November 16, by 10:45 a.m.
—
Jon Dooley, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Life