NURSE’S NOTES

               Welcome back to school! As you pursue your studies, Student Health Services (SHS) is here to help you with your physical and mental health needs. Whether you need to see the doctor, see a personal counselor, need a tuberculin skin test, or just need a cup of coffee, we are here for you. We realize that the MPC student is very busy. Work, family, and academic demands can be very challenging and it can be hard to stay healthy. We offer over-the-counter remedies for free so that you don’t have to leave campus. We can also help you with a health assessment and provide you with outside resources.

This Fall, the novel H1N1 or swine flu seems to be on everyone’s mind. We are very fortunate that, in fact, so far this virus is actually milder than the seasonal flu. Because it is worldwide and has infected so many people it is termed pandemic, but that doesn’t mean that it is any stronger than the regular flu, just more widespread. Take your usual precautions of avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Do not return to school or work until you are post-fever 24 hours without the aid of Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Cover your mouth and nose. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Get plenty of sleep, exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of water, eat well, and don’t forget to get your seasonal flu shot.

 The H1N1 flu shot is not available yet. The latest prediction is that it will be available later in the Fall. When it becomes available, we will have the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) come to campus to administer the vaccine like the seasonal flu shot.

                Check out www.cdc.gov and www.pandemicflu.gov if you have any further questions or stop by your Student Health Services and we would be happy to talk with you.