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Health Center

Seasonal Flu Information

From October to April each year, students are encouraged to obtain an influenza (Flu) vaccine. Flu Vaccine is available from the student’s primary care provider, most pharmacies, and by appointment at flu vaccine clinics which will be held on campus each fall.

Flu Vaccine is NOT available at the Perrella Health Center

Seasonal Flu FAQ

Can you afford to miss three or four days of classes due to the flu?

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. It can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to death.

A flu shot – along with practicing good personal hygiene – can minimize your risk of getting the flu.

Everyone!
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that every individual over the age of 6 months get vaccinated. Vaccination is strongly recommended for those with a chronic health condition, especially those with:

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney, liver or neurological disease
  • Immunosuppression from chemotherapy, AIDS, ongoing steroid therapy or daily aspirin therapy.
  • Pregnancy during the flu season

The flu is a viral illness and is treated to manage the symptoms, not with antibiotics. Mild flu symptoms may be self-treated with increased fluids, rest, and over the counter medications.

Moderate to severe symptoms should be evaluated by a health care provider.

If you have concerns about your symptoms, seek medical attention by calling Perrella Health Center at 607-431-4120 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for an appointment.

Flu symptoms can be evaluated at convenient care/urgent care after hours/weekends.

Fever of more than 100 degrees
Headache
Extreme fatigue
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle aches
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Bassett Convenient Care: open Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
607-433-6400 -Call 24 hours/day to schedule same day or next day appointment.

Fox Hospital Emergency Department: open seven days per week, 24 hours per day, 607-431-5000

Wellnow Urgent Care: open seven days a week: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 607-376-5346 -Walk In Care

Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective and can be found at key locations on campus including The Commons, The Stevens-German Library and Binder Physical Education Center.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs are spread this way.

Frequently wipe shared surfaces in your residence hall or off-campus housing with a mild disinfectant.

Stay home if you have the flu or flu-like symptoms.
Those who become sick should remain at home for at least 24 hours after a fever or signs of a fever have subsided. This should be determined without the use of a fever-reducing medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen, not aspirin).

Students should personally notify their faculty regarding class absences.

Perrella Wellness Center encourages students to have their own self-care flu kits. The following items should be included:

Digital thermometer
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not aspirin)
Decongestants
Cough drops
Tissues
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers
Water, juice, and electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade
Soup, crackers, and other comfort foods

For the most up-to-date information on the flu, visit the following websites:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Center for Disease Control

Perrella Wellness Center

607-431-4120
Fax: 607-431-4124
[email protected]