2013 Seasonal Flu Update
February 6, 2013
The Student Health Center staff is currently evaluating and treating students with seasonal influenza. Presently, the number of ill students is steady. Most students recover without complications, but ill students often miss up to a week of classes.
The Student Health Center does have influenza vaccine available for students. Typically, the flu season continues through March or April. Students who have yet to receive the vaccine could still benefit from it. Students may walk in during our hours of operation to request the vaccine.
January 24, 2013
Students should be aware that Connecticut is experiencing widespread seasonal influenza activity. Please visit the Health Center website for preventative measures to reduce your risk.
The Health Center has a limited number of vaccine doses available for students that they can administer during walk-in hours (Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.).
January 14, 2013
The Student Health Center is preparing for the upcoming semester and would like to offer some recommendations as students prepare to return to campus.
Students should be aware that Connecticut is experiencing widespread seasonal influenza activity. Students who were not vaccinated for influenza during the on-campus clinics or by their private health care providers are advised to seek out the vaccine in their home town prior to returning to campus. This is especially important for students with high risk conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or other chronic health conditions.
The supply of flu vaccine in Connecticut is limited. Detailed information about flu and hygiene measures to prevent the spread of influenza is available from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov. Additionally, this site offers information on locating providers of flu vaccine in specific geographic regions.
Students with asthma should bring an adequate supply of their prescription asthma medications (check the expiration dates on your medications).
Basic supplies all students should consider bringing to campus include:
- A digital thermometer
- A supply of fever reducing/pain relieving medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Over-the-counter cough and congestion medication
- Sore throat lozenges
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer to carry with you
The Student Health Center is available to evaluate and treat ill students. Students who become ill with the flu typically have fever for 3-4 days. Ill students are instructed to rest and to not attend class. If possible, it is reasonable and helpful if ill students return home to convalesce.
As always, the Student Health Center is available to answer any questions and to assist students with illness or concerns. Our website will be updated with resources, advice, and information as this influenza season progresses. Please visit www.fairfield.edu/healthcenter.
Sincerely,
Julia A. Duffy, MS, APRN, BC
Director, Student Health Center
General Information