Health Services is helping students combat cold season

By Kyla Smulski   

As temperatures drop, students across campus are feeling the familiar sting of cold season creeping in. Maria Sullivan, a physician’s assistant (PA) in the Office of Health Services, said they are seeing a wide range of illnesses this year. 

 “Health Services is seeing a mix of common respiratory viruses, seasonal allergies, and some bacterial illnesses,” she said. “At this time, we have seen limited cases of strep throat, mono, and COVID as well. We have not had any confirmed flu cases yet this season. These trends are similar to what is circulating in the wider Massachusetts community. Health Services is able to test students for COVID, Strep A, Mono, and Influenza if clinically indicated.”  

The most common symptoms students are suffering from include congestion, sore throat, cough, fever, and fatigue, she said.  

Keagan Fletcher ‘27 is one of many students who experienced some of these symptoms.  

“I had a runny nose, cough, and couldn’t sleep that well. It lasted about a week and a half, and after that, I just had a runny nose and now, I'm just used to it,” he said.   

Jack Miklos ’27 got sick early in the semester.

“I got sick on the second weekend coming back to school. It lasted for like four days I believe, and it was not fun at all. I had a very high fever, and I felt terrible the whole time,” he said.   

Sullivan said health services has been busy this semester. 

“There has been a steady uptick in appointments in the past few weeks, but it’s consistent with what we expect this time of year as fall seasonal allergies peak and respiratory season gets underway,” she said. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms Health Services is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sullivan said students should call 508-565-1307 early in the day to book same-day appointments.   

Sullivan had simple advice for students who are sick but feel pressure not to miss class. 

“We encourage students to prioritize their health and the health of their classmates. If you’re sick, you may need to stay home, rest, and communicate with your professors. Pushing through when ill can, in some cases, worsen your own condition and lead to longer recovery time,” she said. “Also, you risk infecting classmates and professors. Professors have been asked to grant students reasonable flexibility that is grounded in compassion when it comes to illness or other emergencies during cold and flu season.”  

Sullivan said an email was recently sent to students from Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Retention, Kayla Hollins, outlining steps that students should follow if they are unable to attend class due to illness. 

Those steps include: 

1.  Notify your professors about your absence.  

2.  Review your course syllabi for guidance on how to handle absences and keep up with coursework. Many faculty include their expectations for what to do if you miss a class.  

3.  Email each of your professors and let them know that you will be unable to attend class, the reason for the absence, and the specific dates that you expect not to be able to attend class in person.  

4. Ask your professor how you can continue to access course materials and stay current in the course. Or, if your temporary absence does not allow you to do this, ask how you can catch up upon your return.   

5. Each faculty member may have a different plan for accommodating you during these absences. Please work with them individually to be sure you stay caught up in your courses.  

   
   

At this point, you may be thinking, how can I avoid getting sick? Sullivan shared some tips to prevent the spread of common infectious viral illnesses.  

“Sufficient sleep, good nutrition, hydration, and stress management all support immune function. Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, flu, COVID-19 boosters. Vaccines reduce the likelihood of severe disease. Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer, at least 60% alcohol when soap isn’t available. It is also important to wash your hands prior to eating meals or snacks. Cover coughs and sneezes into elbow or tissue. In crowded indoor settings, poorly ventilated spaces, or when there is widespread illness, wearing a well-fitting mask helps reduce transmission. Open windows and doors, if possible, use HEPA filters or air purifiers in indoor spaces, prioritize outdoor or well-ventilated meeting spaces. If you have symptoms, fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, reducing contact with others, even before a confirmed diagnosis, it helps protect peers. Use rapid tests for COVID-19 or influenza. If positive, follow guidance on isolation. If symptoms are severe or persist, seek medical evaluation and care. Reduce time in large indoor crowds, maintain physical distance, when possible, and avoid sharing items with others when sick,” she said.

On campus, there is a flu and COVID clinic that all students can take advantage of.  

“Our first clinic had over 125 participants, and we are optimistic that there will be a strong turnout for the next three on-campus vaccine clinics this fall. Vaccination is one of the best defenses against flu and COVID. We hope that by making vaccines convenient and accessible, vaccination rates will be higher, and flu and COVID activity on campus will be lower this year,” Sullivan said.   

Students can get their shots on campus at the Health Services' upcoming clinics. Wednesday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Martin Institute Auditorium, and Wednesday, November 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Martin Institute Auditorium. When you attend the vaccine clinic, be sure to bring your insurance card and/or information with you. It is requested that you sign up at least 48 hours in advance so the pharmacists can plan supplies. Walk-ins are also welcome! Don’t forget that local retail pharmacies offer vaccines by appointment or walk-in basis as well.