¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ

Community Health Update for October 26

A weekly update from Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley with community health information, important resources and announcements of any changes to protocols.

Dear ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ, Faculty and Staff,

Key health information in this week’s update includes:

  • Respiratory illness trends
  • Upcoming flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster clinics
  • Community health status update

Respiratory illness trends

As we move into the season when influenza and other respiratory illnesses are , local hospitals are experiencing an , and we are continuing to experience cases of COVID-19 at a slow but steady level. Regional and state health officials monitor at urgent care and emergency departments. Student Health Services reports several cases of flu and influenza-like illness in October, earlier than most recent years. The CDC has a helpful website dedicated to the including information about how to tell the difference between the and between the .

If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, seek medical attention from TimelyCare 24/7 virtual medical care for students, Student Health Services, the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic, or other resources. And remember the strategies we have learned in recent years – stay home if you have a fever, wash your hands frequently, cough into your elbow, consider when to wear a mask, be cautious in large crowds or social settings, don’t share drinks, etc.

Upcoming flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster clinics

If you have not received your flu vaccine and/or your COVID-19 bivalent booster, now is a good time, before the expected winter increases in flu and COVID-19 activity. The final on-campus flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held in the coming weeks for students, faculty, and staff. Advance registration is recommended for the following clinic dates:

November 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Lakeside 214

November 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Lakeside 214

November 8, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., LaRose Student Commons

November 10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Lakeside 214

Next Wednesday, November 2, is the last date the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic is offering a flu clinic for employees, retirees, and their dependents ages 18 years and over who are covered under Elon’s health insurance. Visit the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic website for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Community health status update

Each Tuesday afternoon by 4 p.m., the university COVID-19 webpage is updated with information about the status of COVID-19 in our community. The site also includes a link to the latest information about the CDC COVID-19 , which are currently at Low in Alamance and Guilford counties.

Our next Community Health Update will be next Wednesday, November 2, by 10:45 a.m.

Jon Dooley, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Life