University Health Services has seen an increase in upper respiratory infections in students, faculty and staff on campus.
“Some of them have influenza B and the rest have other viral infections,” Director of UHS and Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the School of Medicine and Dentistry Ralph Manchester, M.D. said. “We added extra appointments last week in order to accommodate the increased demand, and we will do that again this week if necessary.”
UHS scheduled a flu vaccine clinic for this Thursday, Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Gowen Room in Wilson Commons.
“Since the flu season generally lasts until April, we decided it would be helpful to offer a clinic for students who missed our fall clinics and would like to get a shot now,” Associate Director of the UHS Health Promotion Office Linda Dudman, M.P.A. said.
The vaccine’s cost is $25. Students are asked to bring their UR ID and health insurance card. UHS will bill the vaccine’s cost to the health insurance company of each student. If a student’s health insurance does not cover the cost of the vaccine, the charge will be added to the student’s tuition bill. Students can schedule an appointment by calling (585) 275-2662.
The Center for Disease Control Web site, http://www.cdc.gov, says that flu symptoms come on suddenly. Symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting. “A doctor’s exam may be needed to tell whether you have developed the flu,” the Web site says.
“The best protection against the spread of these respiratory viral infections is hand washing and using the hand sanitizing gels,” Manchester said.
Schneier is a member of the class of 2011.
