Current Health Topics

Understanding Common Health Topics

Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information on viruses that can impact student life. Learn about symptoms, prevention tips, treatment options and available services through Student Health Services (SHS).

Free flu shots are available for students, faculty and staff at SHS, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Insurance can be billed for flu vaccines.

Can’t make it? Many local pharmacies also offer low- or no-cost flu shots.

Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone age 6 months and older—especially those at higher risk.

Prevention:
Get vaccinated, wash your hands often, sanitize surfaces and stay hydrated.

Treatment:
Antiviral medications may help reduce symptoms and shorten illness duration.

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach virus that spreads through infected people, food or surfaces.

Symptoms:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.

Prevention:
Practice good hand hygiene and disinfect shared spaces regularly.

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Zika is spread primarily through mosquito bites.

Symptoms:
Fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. Most symptoms are mild and brief and most people recover without medical treatment.

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SHS offers testing for Mpox and can assist students in locating vaccine providers. Call 910.521.6219 or send a secure message through the Patient Portal.

What is it?
Mpox is caused by a virus similar to smallpox, but usually presents milder symptoms. While not often fatal, the illness can be painful.

How it spreads:

  • Direct contact with rash, scabs or bodily fluids

  • Contact with contaminated objects, fabrics or surfaces

  • Respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact

Symptoms:
Flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue) followed by a rash that may resemble pimples or blisters. The rash can appear on the face, hands, genitals or inside the body.

Prevention:
Avoid close or intimate contact with someone who has Mpox. Wash hands frequently and don’t share personal items.

If you have symptoms:

  • Contact SHS or your healthcare provider

  • Avoid close contact with others, including pets

  • Wear a mask and isolate until evaluated

  • Follow isolation guidelines if diagnosed

Cleaning and Safety:
Use EPA-registered disinfectants. Handle laundry with care and wear protective gear when cleaning items that may be contaminated. Always wash hands after touching potentially infected materials.

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