Health News and Educational Programs
Flu Vaccine Available 11.3.22
Health Service continues to have flu vaccine available for students. For student appointments, please call us at 618-650-2842.
For more information on the importance and benefits of receiving a flu shot, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website:
Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2022-2023 Season | CDC
Medical Advisory Varicella (Chicken Pox 10.31.22)
There have been three (3) probable cases of Varicella (chickenpox) on the Edwardsville campus over the past several days. A probable case meets the clinical definition but is not laboratory confirmed.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Health Service and the Madison County Health Department recommend you protect yourself and the University community from chickenpox. Chickenpox causes a skin rash of itchy, blister-like lesions all over the body. Often there is a fever before the rash.
Per Illinois Department of Public Health: Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). Chickenpox is generally mild and self-limited but may be associated with complications. The virus can be spread from person to person by direct contact, inhalation of aerosols from vesicular fluid of skin lesions of acute varicella or zoster, and possibly through aerosolized infectious respiratory secretions. Complications most commonly occur in adults, immunocompromised persons and newborns of mothers with rash onset within five days before to forty-eight hours after delivery.
As shared with our campus community, chickenpox is not usually a serious illness, it can cause serious complications. Some people, who are vaccinated, will still develop chickenpox. These cases, also called “breakthrough,” are usually mild. Nevertheless, they are still contagious. Because they are mild, they may not be recognized or excluded, therefore leaving more opportunities to infect others, especially those who are at high risk for severe disease and have contraindications for vaccination (e.g., susceptible pregnant women, immunocompromised persons).
A vaccine that can prevent chickenpox (varicella vaccine) is available and has been shown to be safe. If you do not have a history of varicella (chickenpox) disease or two doses of varicella vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated. Since there are susceptible people who either have not or cannot be vaccinated and who are at high risk of severe complications from chickenpox, stopping the spread of chickenpox among campus community members is important. Currently the vaccine is available at Madison County Health Department and the local Walgreens Pharmacy.
If you develop chickenpox, you should stop attending classes/work at the University until the rash has scabbed over. This is true even if you were previously vaccinated.
Health Service is available to assist students with any questions. Do not hesitate to reach out to us at cougarcare@siue.edu. Faculty and staff should contact their primary care provider.
Questions about Covid?
Thank you in advance for adhering to campus guidelines as we remain dedicated to our community's health and safety. For up-to-date COVID information, please view SIUE COVID-19.
Questions about Monkeypox Virus?
Monkeypox has been declared a public health emergency by the governor of Illinois. There are 533 cases currently in the state. For up-to-date Monkeypox information, please view SIUE Monkeypox.
Monkeypox is a viral infection transmitted through close, personal contact, including kissing, sex, and other skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact. Fatality during the current outbreak is estimated to be very low.
Monkeypox illness begins with: Fever, Headache, Muscle aches, Backache, Swollen lymph nodes, Chills, and/or Exhaustion
Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body.
The illness typically lasts for 2-4 weeks.
Stay Informed
Remain Calm. This is a rapidly changing situation. Visit the CDC Website for up-to-date guidance. How it Spreads | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC
Contact
If you have symptoms, call (do not visit) your health care provider, and ask about testing.
Isolate
If you have symptoms, stay at home, wear a mask, and cover lesions to protect others.
Please find the more detailed information at
https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/monkeypox.html
https://dph.illinois.gov/monkeypox/faq.html
Health Education Programs
If you would like a member of Health Service to speak with your group or organization on one of the following topics, or another health education topic of interest, please fill out the form below:
- Takin’ Care of Healthy Balance: How to Avoid the Stress of College Life
- Nutrition 101
- Vaping: The Hidden Dangers
- Good Nutrition is Our Mission
- Spring Break Health & Safety Tips
- Managing Stress
- Counseling & Health Services
Please provide 2-4 weeks' notice of the event. A member of Health Service will respond to inform of their availability and/or schedule an interview.
