If you have been anywhere near your phone, TV, or radio lately, then it’s likely you have heard about the coronavirus — a recent public health crisis that was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This virus had not been found in humans before and can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and fever. According to The New York Times, there are 74,185 cases of coronavirus confirmed — the majority in Hubei Province — and the death toll has risen to 2,004. Although there is no current cure for this virus, it is unlikely that students at The College of Saint Rose will get infected. However, if students have traveled to China recently and feel sick or develop symptoms, seek care right away and avoid contact with others.
Instead, the main concern for students this winter is the flu.
Students sometimes struggle to find a healthy balance of exercising, sleeping, eating healthy, and taking action when they are sick. It is no doubt flu season, which is why it is super important for you to take care of both your mental and physical health. The most common flu symptoms are a cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, headaches, fatigue, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms do vary, and it is possible for you to experience all the symptoms or just a few. If you feel any of these symptoms you should seek assistance from Saint Rose Health Services.
Although there is no way to become immune to the flu, take these steps to avoid getting sick this winter:
- Get the flu shot: The best way to ensure that you don’t catch the flu is to get the flu shot. It is still available at most pharmacies since the flu season can last until May. You can also get the shot from your healthcare provider.
- Stay away: If you notice that someone is sick — especially with the flu — it is best to avoid close contact with them. Remember, the flu is highly contagious and can be passed on easily. On the other hand, if you are sick, try to limit contact with other people as much as you can. If you are feeling any flu-like symptoms, you should consider taking time off of work or class to prevent getting other people sick.
- Wash your hands: This not only applies after you use the restroom. Try to was your hands as frequently as possible. If there isn’t soap and water around, use hand sanitizer.
- Cover your mouth: Whenever you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with either a tissue or your arm. Try not to cough or sneeze in your hands (think about where they have been/where they will be). After the use of the tissues, throw them into a waste bin.
- Limit touching: Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth because those are where germs spread. If you are feeling sick, limit touching other people, and sanitize as much as possible.
- Take care of yourself: It is important to get rest. Try to make sure you are sleeping eight or more hours a day, especially if you are not feeling well. Also, stay hydrated by drinking water!
- Seek medical help: If you have any of the symptoms above, go to either the College’s Health Services or your doctor.
Saint Rose Health Services:
The College’s clinic is located at 190 Partridge Street, Albany, NY
Phone: 518.454.5244
Email: healthservices@strose.edu
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (no appointment necessary)
Local Urgent Care Centers:
- Urgent Care Centers at Community Care Physicians P.C.
- Saint Peter’s Health Partners Urgent Care
- Albany Medical Center EmUrgentCare
- Ellis Medicine Emergent/Urgent Care
Closest Pharmacy to Saint Rose:
CVS Pharmacy
1026 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12208
Phone: 518.489.8516
Additional Information:
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