Category: healthalerts

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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
healthalerts

COVID-19 reminders for Fall 2022

August 16, 2022

 

Dear SMU Community,

 

If you have been away, welcome back to the Hilltop. We hope you enjoyed the summer break and are looking forward to a fall full of engaged learning and fun activities. Thank you to the staff and faculty who have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming school year.

 

You will likely remember that SMU lifted the University’s COVID-19 protocols at the end of the spring term on May 15, 2022. We recognize that the virus is still present in our community and while it is contagious, in most cases it is less severe and more manageable, especially for those who are vaccinated.

 

University leadership continues to review guidance from local, state and federal health officials. The President’s Executive Council frequently discusses the latest information about COVID-19 that is specific to our area and is prepared to adjust the University’s response if needed.

 

Here are a few things to remember as we start the fall term:

 

  • The campus remains mask optional, including all classrooms and academic spaces. Faculty and staff may request masking in their classrooms, labs and workspaces. Although compliance has been high in the past, masks cannot be required.
    • N95 masks are available upon request. A limited supply of disinfectant and cleaning materials is also available for faculty and staff. Please submit requests through STABLE.
    • Employees seeking a reasonable accommodation based on a disability should contact the Office of Institutional Access and Equity (IAE) at accessequity@smu.edu.
    • Students should contact Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS) to request accommodations.

 

  • As with any contagious illness, if you feel sick, have symptoms or test positive, do not come to work or class. 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.

 

 

Along with the links in this email, check the Mustang Strong website for updates on SMU’s response and resources on COVID-19, as well as access the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Please practice healthy habits. Information on COVID-19, monkeypox, influenza, allergies, counseling and other health and well-being resources can be found at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center website. Let’s work together to stay Mustang Strong.

 

—

 

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

 

Categories
healthalerts

Health information about monkeypox

August 9, 2022

 

Dear SMU Community,

You likely have seen news reports regarding the spread of the monkeypox virus in the United States.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively tracking cases of monkeypox, as are many state and local health departments.  Dallas County recently issued an emergency declaration due to the increasing number of cases in the North Texas region.

To date, there are no known cases of monkeypox in the SMU community. The University and the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center will continue to monitor this situation and coordinate preparedness efforts with Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS).

According to the CDC, symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, chills, exhaustion, respiratory symptoms, and development of a rash or sores. The virus is typically spread through close, skin-to-skin contact. Please take a few minutes to educate yourself about the monkeypox virus, including helpful prevention measures, with these important CDC resources and FAQs.

If you believe you might be infected with the virus, contact your health provider immediately. The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center can provide testing for students who are symptomatic. Vaccination inquiries will be referred to DCHHS.

Your health and wellbeing are important to us. We will continue to keep you updated regarding any developments.

—

 

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