Welcome

February 2012

>Tis the season for germs!   No one ever wants to be sick, yet the winter seems to be the time for flu, colds, and stomach illness. Washing your hands frequently and avoiding sick people are two easy ways to prevent getting sick. Dr. Doyle, Medical Director at UHCS, recently commented on the importance of the flu vaccine in the Huntington News. And one student shared how easy the process of getting the vaccine was for her. Learn more about the flu and prevention here.

Unfortunately, stomach illnesses don’t have vaccines like the flu. Norovirus is the most common stomach virus in the United States. Symptoms which include nausea, vomiting diarrhea and stomach cramps typically last about 1-2 days. If symptoms persist longer, contact UHCS or your health care provider.

Suggestions for the prevention of the Norovirus are very similar to the recommendations for avoiding the flu virus with frequent hand washing once again being at the top of the list. Since Norovirus is transmitted in a hand to mouth manner, hand washing just prior to eating is particularly important.

If you have the Norovirus or live with someone who does, keeping shared surfaces like countertops clean will also decrease the risk of transmission. If you do contract the virus, do not panic. Try to keep a good fluid intake despite any vomiting (sips of liquid every 5 minutes helps) and take only simple foods. If you feel like you can’t control your symptoms or keep even tiny sips of water down, see us at UHCS or go to a local Emergency Room.

>  Groups start this week, January 24th at UHCS. Click here for a listing of groups.

>  It's a new year, It's a new day ...get involved at Northeastern.