What if I miss my
classes?
When a student misses a day or two of classes, the
student is to inform their professors themselves. Students must
inform the Health Center when they are out of classes for an
extended length of time. The Health Center will inform Student
Services. Notices from Student Services are ONLY sent to professors
to inform them that the student will be out for a more substantial
length of time. These absences are ususally due to surgeries, death
in families, flu-like illnesses, etc. A professor may call the
Health Center to verify a student's contact with the Health Center;
however, the nature of the illness or contact will not be
disclosed. (See Student Handbook.) The Health Center does not
supply class passes for illness.
What if the Heath Center
is closed when I visit?
If the Health Center is closed and
you need medical assitance, please contact your Residence advisor,
Residence director, or Campus Safety (x6170) to assist you. There
is also a list of local non-urgent care centers at the Health
Center link.
What if the Health Center is closed and I
want to make an appointment?
In order to preference: 1.
Leave a note for the Health Center at Campus Security to contact
you. Make sure to list a phone number where you can be reached. 2.
Leave a voice mail message by calling x6360 on-campus or 594-6360
off-campus. 3. Email a message to Burks_Blandine@roberts.edu.
When can I see the nurse practitioner?
Our nurse
practitioner, Shannon Gianotti, is available during the fall and
spring semesters. Walk-in appointments will be accommodated as much
as possible; to reduce waiting time, please call x6360 first.
How do I know if I have the flu or a cold?
It can
be difficult to distinguish between colds and the flu. A cold is
generally characterized by the gradual onset of the following
symptoms (usually localized in the head): runny nose, stuffy head,
headache, sneezing, sore throat, and a low grade fever or none at
all. The flu is generally characterized by the sudden, abrupt onset
of the following symptoms: fever greater than 101, body aches,
fatigue or weakness, headache, eye muscle pain, dry cough, runny
nose, and sore throat.
Are flu shots available?
Flu
vaccines are available at low cost in the fall as long as no
vaccine shortage exists. Information regarding the flu vaccine
clinic will be listed in the student Broadcaster and on the Health
Center bulletin board in early October.
What can I do if I
get the flu?
Antiviral drugs are now available by
prescription but must be taken within 48 hours of onset to be
effective. Drink lots of fluid, especially water. Wash your hands
frequently. Avoid shaking hands with others. Get plenty of rest.
Some OTC medications may help relieve flu symptoms; talk with the
nurse practitioner or a local pharmacist. Prevention is the best
policy. Keep your body and immune system in good health by eating a
balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising frequently.
What can I do to prevent sickness?
Living in the
close quarters of dorms increases the risk of illness. A few simple
behavioral changes may lower your risk of illness and prevent the
spread of disease to others: 1. Wash your hands frequently-before
preparing food or eating, after blowing your nose or coughing,
after using the bathroom, or if you haven't washed them in the last
several hours! 2. Drink lots of water-six to eight glasses every
day are recommended 3. Eat a variety of food and a balanced diet 4.
Be active every day 5. Get adequate sleep every night and rest when
your body is tired 6. Get regular check-ups with your doctor and
with your dentist