Current Health Issues Commonly Seen on Campus

All information was taken from the CDC website. Please go to for more info.

Current Health Issues Commonly Seen on Campus
Illness Signs & Symptoms How to treat illness

Stomach Illness with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea:

Most commonly caused by a Norovirus

There are many strains of Noroviruses – this is why you can get a stomach bug multiple time

See more info on below CDC site: How to Prevent Norovirus | Norovirus | CDC

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever

Usually last for 1-3 days

Can still be contagious up to 2 weeks after symptoms are gone

-Avoid being close to others

-Do not share food or drinks

-Wash hands with soap and water (hand sanitizers do not kill noroviruses)

-Once you have stopped vomiting for at least 2 hrs, take small sips of water/light juices/Gatorade every 5-10 min.

-Use ant-acid stomach meds like Pepto-Bismol to decrease stomach acid and diarrhea

-Be seen by a medical provider if you are no better after day 3 or cannot keep fluids down after day 4

-Do not go to food prep/handling classes or food prep/handling work if you have these symptoms

Respiratory/cold Illnesses: 

Most usually caused by common viruses, RSV, Influenza/Flu, COVID

These viruses share similar routes of transmission, symptoms, and prevention approaches

See more info on the below sites:

Treatment of Respiratory Viruses | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

7 tips to combat viral upper respiratory illness - Mayo Clinic News Network

Cough, sore throat, fever body aches, post nasal drip, tiredness

Very contagious right before symptoms starts and while you have a fever

Contagious until most symptoms are gone and no longer have a fever

-Avoid being close to others

-Do not share food or drinks

-Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer often

-Wear a mask if you must be near someone or out in public

-Treat symptoms with over-the-counter cold medications

-Read medication instructions and re-dose as often as it allows

-Drink fluid equal to half your body weight. Drink whatever tastes good to you but avoid alcohol, caffeine, milk products

-Rest, sleep, avoid extra activity or exercise while very ill

-Speak to a medical provider if you have other major health issues or if symptoms do not get better after 10 days

-Consider discussing treatment with an antiviral medication with our provider

-Antibiotics do not kill a viral infection

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

The following CDC materials are available:

Feeling stressed or anxious?

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

Mental Health Resources

Women's Health Information

Local AA/NA Meetings

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 

Team of medical professionals

Questions?
Office of Admissions

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