KEEPING OUR STUDENTS HEALTHY DURING COLD AND FLU SEASON

Posted on January 17, 2025

Well, I just got my first cold of the winter and I’m trying my best to take care of myself and not affect others around me. Of course, for students living in close quarters in the residence halls, who engage in high levels of social interactions, this is no easy task. So, I have asked Catherine Kelleher, RN, Executive Director of the Student Health Center, to provide some suggestions as to how students can take proper precautions against getting sick. I hope you will share this information with your Friars.

Now, I think it’s time for me to make myself a nice cup of hot tea. Stay well and take good care.

Jackie

According to Kelleher, “Flu, Covid-19, RSV, and Norovirus are highly contagious, especially during the winter months on a campus community. Eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity, support a good immune system.”

“All students should have a first aid kit in their room that contains a copy of their insurance card, thermometer, Band-Aids, gauze, adhesive tape, Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, and over-the-counter medications that they would normally rely on at home. Please remind your students to pick these items up at the pharmacy or why not send them a package full of healthy self-care items.”

Additionally, the CDC advises:

Covering one’s mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If tissues are not available, cough or sneeze into one’s arm.
Wash hands with soap and warm water often. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It is important to note that hand sanitizer alone does NOT kill norovirus.
When not feeling well, if possible, try to avoid close contact with others and wear a mask as an additional strategy to protect others from contracting the virus.

The best way to prevent these illnesses is to receive a Flu shot and Covid vaccine.

Please note that it is NOT too late to receive these vaccines! Pharmacies within walking distance to campus where they are available are:

CVS Pharmacy: 354 Admiral St., Providence, RI – 401-331-2636

Walgreens Pharmacy: 400 Admiral St., Providence, RI – 401-351-5030

For information about the Student Health Center please visit: https://health-center.providence.edu/