As students return to UHD and prepare for fall semester, health experts are emphasizing the importance of preventive care to avoid the respiratory illnesses that typically surge when thousands of people return to close-quarters campus living.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October. For college students, this timing couldn’t be more critical.
The first few weeks back on campus are when we see the biggest spike in illness transmission. Students are adjusting to new schedules, potentially not getting enough sleep, and suddenly in close contact with peers from across the country.
Get Your Flu Shot Early
Most campus health centers offer flu vaccinations, often at reduced costs for students. Many also provide walk-in clinics during the first weeks of semester. Students should also ensure they’re up to date on other routine vaccines, including COVID-19 boosters if recommended.
The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to provide full protection, making early vaccination essential before illness begins circulating widely on campus.
Master the Basics of Prevention
Simple hygiene practices remain the most effective defense against respiratory illnesses:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using restrooms or touching shared surfaces like door handles and elevator buttons.
Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose and mouth, which are common entry points for viruses.
Maintain distance when possible from visibly ill classmates and roommates. If someone is coughing or sneezing, politely suggest they see a healthcare provider.
Disinfect shared spaces regularly, including dorm room surfaces, study areas and electronic devices.
Strengthen Your Immune System
College life can be tough on immune systems, but students can take proactive steps:
Prioritize sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours nightly. Chronic sleep deprivation significantly weakens immune function.
Eat nutritiously. Campus dining halls offer healthier options than many students realize. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while limiting processed foods and excessive caffeine.
Exercise regularly. Most campuses offer free gym access and intramural sports. Regular moderate exercise boosts immune function.
Manage stress. Academic pressure can suppress immunity. Utilize campus counseling services, practice relaxation techniques, and maintain social connections.
Know When to Seek Treatment
Students should visit campus health services, area urgent care clinics, or a primary care practitioner if they experience fever, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or symptoms lasting more than a few days. Many illnesses that seem like common colds can develop into more serious conditions without proper care.
Don’t try to power through illness; rest and appropriate treatment help you recover faster and prevent the spreading illnesses to others.
UHD Student Health Clinician Services offer options: appointments are required for all clinician services that are available during clinic appointment hours only. Appointments are not available when classes are not in session.
Clinician services that require an appointment include:
- preventative medical services
- general physical
- wellness exam
- birth control consult
- STD testing
- diagnosis and treatment of infections
- diagnosis and treatment of minor injuries
- laboratory testing
Special Considerations for Non-Traditional Students
Adult learners returning to campus face unique health challenges that require tailored approaches. Non-traditional students often juggle family responsibilities, full-time jobs and academic commitments, creating additional exposure risks and time constraints.
Workplace vaccination programs may offer more convenient flu shot options than campus clinics. Many employers provide on-site vaccination clinics or insurance coverage for shots at retail pharmacies. Students should coordinate with both workplace and campus health services to avoid duplicate vaccinations while ensuring coverage.
Family exposure considerations are particularly important for students with school-aged children. Elementary and high school students are frequent carriers of respiratory illnesses, bringing home viruses that can quickly spread to adult family members.
- Non-traditional students often serve as bridges between different communities – their workplace, campus and children’s schools, this increases both exposure risk and the potential to spread illness across multiple environments.
- Students with children should establish clear protocols: encourage frequent handwashing at home, teach children to cover coughs and sneezes, and consider keeping mildly ill children home from school to prevent family-wide illness during critical academic periods.
Time management strategies become crucial for maintaining health routines. Non-traditional students should prioritize sleep by establishing firm boundaries around study time, utilize grocery delivery services to maintain proper nutrition when time is limited, and consider family-friendly exercise options like walking with children or using campus recreation facilities during family hours.
These students should also communicate with professors early in the semester about potential family illness conflicts and familiarize themselves with campus policies regarding missed classes due to family health emergencies.
Early preparation and consistent healthy habits can help ensure this semester stays focused on academics rather than recovery from preventable illnesses.
