Current Health Issues

Monkeypox Virus

A rare, viral infection that is spread through close, physical contact between individuals.  This means anyone can get monkeypox. Monkeypox Policy (pdf)

What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?

Symptoms of monkeypox can include:

• Rashes, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals or in other areas like your hands, feet, chest, or face.
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur before or after the rash appears, or not at all.

How does Monkeypox spread?

• Direct contact with monkeypox sores or rashes on an individual who has monkeypox.
• Respiratory droplets or oral fluids from someone with monkeypox, particularly for those who have close contact with someone or are around them for a long period of time
• It can also be spread through contact with objects or fabrics (e.g., clothing, bedding, towels) that have been used by someone with monkeypox.

How can I protect myself?

• Ask your sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptom consistent with monkeypox.
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other monkeypox-related symptom.
• If you or your partners are sick or have sores, do not have sex or close physical contact - avoid clubs, parties or gatherings until you have had your symptoms evaluated by a healthcare provider.
• Wash your hands, sex toys and bedding before and after sex or intimate activities.
• When making plans, consider the level of risk - clubs, raves, saunas, sex parties, and other places with skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact with many people may increase risk of exposure.
• If you are exposed or experience symptoms, isolate yourself and reach out to the Health Center on campus or go to the local emergency department.
• Follow reputable sources of health information, including NYSDOH, CDC, and your local county health department.  Please visit NYS Department of Health - Monkeypox Update

Feeling stressed or anxious?

Give mindful breathing or guided meditation a try. Check out the following phone apps:

• Inner Balance
• Headspace
• Calm
• Therapy Assistance Online
• Mental Wellness and the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Mental Health Resources

• Check out Ulifeline
• ReachOut SUNY
• Thriving Campus
• Middle Earth from the University at Albany

Women's Health Information

• Check out Bedsider

Local AA/NA Meetings

• Virtually Sober in the Catskills - Local Meetings on Zoom
• Alcoholics Anonymous Online Meetings
• Narcotics Anonymous Online Meetings
• Local Meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous
• Local Meetings of Narcotics Anonymous

Immunizations for Adults

• It is important to maintain your adult immunizations.
• Meningitis Vaccines - See the CDC Meningitis web page for specifics on who should have a booster vaccine.
• Tetanus Vaccine - Update every 10 years
• Influenza Vaccine - Update annually