Bolivar Campus Update
November 9, 2009
Mrs. Nancy Hodges, SBU's Director of Health Services stated, "During the week of November 1 through November 7, 2009 there were only two students (down from nine the previous week) seen with a fever over 100 and exhibiting flu symptoms.” Most students seen at The Health Center were exhibiting symptoms of a stomach virus, sinusitis, or strep throat.
In Missouri, flu illness has been decreasing over the past two weeks. Nationally, however, flu illness has decreased just over this past week.
Students with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, etc. should call the Polk County Health department (417-326-7250) to get on the list for the H1N1 vaccine. This is a recommendation of the CDC.
October 25, 2009
SBU's Director of Health Services, Nancy Hodges stated, "During the week of October 19-24, 2009 there were 16 students seen with fever over 100 and exhibiting flu symptoms. Six of these were tested, three of which tested positive for Flu A. Other students were seen with some of the symptoms of flu, but not fever.” (for information on these click on Flu Symptoms and Actions)
The Health Center realizes that a negative flu test is only 78% accurate. Consequently, any student with fever should take precautionary measures. The Health Center recommends that individuals review the following "What You Can Do to Stay Healthy". Normally any student who has flu symptoms or other illnesses is encouraged to call the SBU Health Center at 417-328-1888 for an appointment.
October 19, 2009
According to SBU's Director of Health Services, Nancy Hodges, "During the week of October 11-17, 2009, there were no students who tested positive for Influenza A. The Health Center saw five students with fevers during this time period. Several of these had strep throat.”
The Health Center realizes that flu tests are only 78% accurate. Subsequently, any student with fever should take precautionary measures. The Health Center recommends that individuals review the following "What You Can Do to Stay Healthy". As normal any student who has flu symptoms, or other illnesses, is encouraged to call the SBU Health Center at 417-328-1888 for an appointment.
October 12, 2009
According to SBU’s Director of Health Services Nancy Hodges, “During the week of October 4 - 11, 2009 there were two students who tested positive for Influenza A.” While only two students tested positive, the Health Center realizes that flu tests are only 78% accurate. Subsequently, any student with a fever should take precautionary measures. The Health Center recommends that individuals review the following “What You Can Do to Stay Healthy” recommendations. As normal, any student who has flu symptoms, or other illnesses, is encouraged to call the SBU Health Center at 417-328-1888 for an appointment.
September 28, 2009
According to Director of Health Services Nancy Hodges, “During the week of September 21-25, 2009 there was only one student who had an elevated temperature (over 99.4˚). This student had a negative flu test and was treated by the doctor for an upper respiratory infection. As normal, the Health Center is seeing patients who are experiencing other illnesses. Any student who has flu symptoms or other illnesses is encouraged to call the SBU Health Center at 417-328-1888 for an appointment.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
- Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through the coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.
- Get a seasonal Flu shot.
- Get a H1N1 (swine) flu shot when available. Watch your campus e-mail and updates on this site for this information.
For more information visit the CDC website .
September 14, 2009
SBU Dean of Students Rob Harris announced that SBU’s Health Services Center has seen very few documented flu cases and is carefully monitoring students who are experiencing symptoms through the help of internal constituents.
According to SBU Director of Health Services Nancy Hodges, "If a student has flu symptoms, they should call the SBU Health Center at 417-328-1888 for an appointment so the spread of the flu can be prevented. Students who develop symptoms and live on campus are asked to inform their resident advisors of their illness."
