Category: flu

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flu healthalerts

Take Precautions Against the Flu

February 2, 2024

Dear SMU Community,

We are in the peak of flu season and influenza is on the rise at SMU. The number of flu cases and other respiratory illnesses at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center has more than tripled over the past two weeks.  Please take preventive actions that can protect you (and others) from circulating these viruses such as washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with individuals who are ill, and making sure your vaccinations are up to date.

The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center provides free flu shots to students, faculty, and staff. This season’s flu vaccine is well-matched to circulating viruses and should offer good protection from severe illness.  No appointment is necessary.  You may call, email, or use the SMU Health Portal to schedule an appointment.

If you experience flu-like symptoms or test positive for the flu, it is recommended that you stay home and refrain from attending classes or work until you are fever free (temperature drops below 100.5°) for at least 24 hours. As a reminder, our pharmacy is stocked with over-the-counter medications and relief aids should you need them.

Your health and well-being are important to us. For more information and additional resources, please visit the Health Center website.

Sincerely,

Randy P. Jones, DDS, MPH
Associate Dean of Student Life
Executive Director of Health Services
Dr. Bob Smith Health Center

Categories
covid19 covid19vaccinations flu healthalerts

Vaccines and other health and wellbeing reminders for Fall 2023

Dear SMU Community,

As the fall academic term resumes, we want to bring your attention to important health and well-being information and remind you about available resources.

You may have seen local and national news media reports about an increase in COVID-19 cases. This trend is reflected in an uptick in positive tests at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, serving as a reminder that the virus remains present.

Updated COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are expected to be available in the next few weeks. Please consult with your doctor or a healthcare provider to determine if the vaccine or booster is appropriate for you.

Students

The University offers students the option to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters on campus at the Health Center. You can schedule an appointment using the SMU Health Portal or by calling 214-768-2141 (option 1). Students can also schedule an appointment to be tested for COVID-19 by following these same procedures.

Employees

COVID-19 tests, vaccinations or boosters for employees remain widely available at local pharmacies and through healthcare providers. They are no longer offered to employees on campus at the Health Center.

Flu season is approaching

The Health Center offers influenza vaccines for students, employees and the broader campus community. Contact the Health Center to schedule an appointment and watch for details in your email about the campus mobile flu shot clinics and schedule. A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from flu.

As with any contagious illness, if you feel sick, have symptoms or test positive, do not come to class or work. If you have been exposed, monitor for symptoms.

  • Students, contact your instructors and make up any work if you miss class.
  • Faculty and staff, please alert your dean or supervisor if you plan to miss work due to illness.

You can help minimize the spread of respiratory viruses by getting vaccinated and practicing healthy habits like washing your hands, covering your cough, and avoiding people who are sick.

Your health and well-being are important to us. Please visit the Health Center website for more information and resources.

Sincerely,

Randy P. Jones, DDS, MPH
Associate Dean of Student Life
Executive Director of Health Services
Dr. Bob Smith Health Center

Categories
flu

Flu Shot Clinics 2022

Just reminder that flu shots are being offered this year at our walk-up mobile clinics and at the Health Center Monday – Friday 9A – 5P (closed for lunch 12P-1P).    

Flu shots are free to SMU students, staff, faculty and the extended campus community.

For more information visit smu.edu/flu.