UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Flu season is in full swing, and University Health Services (UHS) encourages students and staff to get vaccinated before winter break at the Student Health Center.
“We always expect and see this uptick in flu and influenza-like illness to occur upon our return from the Thanksgiving break,” says UHS Infection Control Nurse Manager Cecilia Devonshire. “The vast majority of flu cases occurring at UHS in the last week are in those who have not received an annual flu shot. Symptoms of coughing, fever, fatigue, myalgias, nasal congestion and sore throat are hitting students pretty hard, and this is a tough time of year to be so sick with final exams and holiday preparations coinciding. We continue to encourage students to get vaccinated with a seasonal flu shot.”
UHS added another flu clinic on Monday, Dec. 11, in 204/205 Student Health Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students wishing to attend must make an appointment via myUHS. Walk-ins are not permitted. Students can also schedule a private appointment with a UHS provider — separate from the clinic — to receive a flu vaccine via myUHS or by calling 814-865-4UHS (option 2).
Students at Commonwealth Campus locations are encouraged to contact their on-campus health service, if applicable, or a local provider to inquire about clinics in their area.
Students experiencing flu-like symptoms can call the UHS Advice Nurse at 814-865-4UHS (option 3). Although recovery may take several days, most people recover from the flu with rest and proper self-care strategies. High-risk individuals, those who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have a chronic medical condition, are at greater risk for developing severe illness from the flu. Students with any of these conditions and experiencing symptoms should contact UHS or a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Anti-viral medications can help shorten the duration of influenza and are most valuable for people at high risk of complications from flu.
Penn State employees and their dependents (age 18+) enrolled in the Penn State health insurance plan can receive their flu vaccine at the UHS Pharmacy in the Student Health Center. The Pharmacy schedules immunizations Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Employees must call the Pharmacy at 814-865-4847 (option 1) to schedule an appointment.
More information on the flu clinic can be found on the UHS flu webpage.