The health center is expecting to see a higher than usual number of influenza cases this year based on reports from the CDC (Center for Disease Control. As you may know, the flu can spread easily from person to person. Therefore, we are taking steps to help prevent the spread of flu and we need your help.
Flu Vaccine
The Student Health Center has administered all our vaccines for this year. If you have not received the flu vaccine, consider getting it at the local pharmacy. Remember to bring your health insurance card with you.
Symptoms of the Flu
Flu symptoms include: a 100oF or higher fever (a fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever), cough and/or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and/or body aches, Chills, Fatigue, Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
Who needs Medical Evaluation?
Most people do not need a medical evaluation for typical symptoms of the flu. We advise that you go home if possible. If you are unable to go home, stay in your room and use-over-the counter medication such as Advil or Tylenol to help manage symptoms of fever, body aches and headache. Make sure to rest and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, like water and Gatorade. Stay out of class until your temperature has remained below 100 degrees for 24 hours.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) “Persons with influenza who present with an uncomplicated febrile illness typically do not require treatment (such as Tamiflu) unless they are at higher risk for influenza complications”. These individuals include the following conditions:
Asthma
Blood Disorders such as Sickle Cell Disease
Diabetes
Weakened Immune System from disease or medication
BMI over 40
(If you are in the above high risk category, have symptoms of the flu and are not sure what to do please call the health center and ask to speak to a nurse.)
If you have symptoms of the flu and have any of the following you need to be seen by a medical provider:
Difficulty breathing
Wheezing
Inability to keep down fluids down
Moderate/severe asthma
Chronic health problems such as diabetes, history of cancer, heart disease or other chronic health problems
What to do if your roommate is ill with the flu.
A person with the flu is contagious (able to infect others) for 24 hours before they even know they have the flu (before symptoms of flu begin) so it is possible you have already been exposed. But to decrease further risk, consider following these precautions.
If at all possible maintain a distance of 6 feet from your ill roommate. The virus drops out of the air between 3 and 6 feet after a person coughs.
Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face mouth or eyes.
Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces.
Here are a few additional preventive steps you can take to help protect yourself and others:
Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing orsneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also re effective.
Practice respiratory etiquette by covering 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; germs are spread this way.
What are the Health Requirements to Attend SUNY Oneonta?
Proof of immunity to measles/mumps/rubella. Two MMR immuniztions or titers proving immunity for students born on/after January 1, 1957. Documentation may be provided by a completed Proof of Immunization Form, physician's office printout, or certificate from high school or other postsecondary institution.
Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine within the past 10 years, confirmed through a certificate of immunization, or a self report signed by the student or parent. Alternatively, the student or parent may sign an acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and refusal of the meningitis immunization. The refusal can be completed on the health center portal.
Health History which is completed on the health center portal. A physical exam is not a health requirement if the student will not be playing an NCAA sport.
International students must also have documented proof of TB testing from their home country.We recommend having their home health care providers complete the International Student Proof of Immunization Form which includes required immunizations and TB testing.
Insurance-private insurance information must be submitted on the health center portal.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE HEALTH CENTER PORTAL?
Please click on the Student Health Center Portal hosted by Medicat to access your account. You will be prompted to create a unique user name. Once logged in, you will have access to the following online services: self-scheduling, secure communication with health center staff, health history, educational material and meningitis response forms.Click on video instructions or written instructions for help.
How to Schedule an On-Line Appointment
After registering, go to task bar in Student Health Center Portal . Once in the Portal, go to task bar and click on "Appt" on the upper left of the screen
Click on one of the choices on the symptoms list and hit submit. If you are not able to find and appropriate choice from the list, please call us at 607-436-3573.
Next, chose an appointment reason and health care provider. If you have no preferance for provider, click ALL.
You will now be brought to a calender page. Click on the date you want an appointment. You may need to scroll down to find submit button. Then click on the time selections located on the left side of the screen. If you cannot find an appointment, try a different date or call the health center.
"Appointment Saved,View your current appointments". will appear in small print on the bottom LT of the screen. click on the work appointment and you will be brought to the home screen with all your upcoming appointments. If there is any paper work needed to be completed for your appointment, the word forms will appear below the provider's name. Click on forms, complete questionnaire and subm