News and Events:

The electronic Check-Up to Go (e-CHUG) is a brief self-assessment that provides you with accurate, detailed and personalized feedback on your use of alcohol, as well as specific information and helpful resources. Click on the link below to get instructions and access the program.

e-CHUG

  

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

By now, you  have more than likely heard news stories about MRSA, a potentially deadly, drug-resistant staph superbug, that has been linked to illnesses in schools.

The document below will provide you with some basic information about MRSA and ways to recognize and, most importanly, avoid infection.

MRSA.pdf

Top Ten List about Influenza

10)    Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a contagious disease that attacks the nose, throat and lungs.

9) The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches.

8) The flu is spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and sends flu virus into the air, and other people inhale the virus. The virus enters the nose, throat, or lungs of a person and begins to multiply, causing symptoms of influenza.

7) A person can spread the flu starting one day before he or she feels sick. Adults can continue to pass the flu virus to others for another three to seven days after symptoms start.

6) Most people who get influenza will recover in one to two weeks, but some people will develop life-threatening complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu.

5) Many people use the term "stomach flu” to describe illnesses with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; While these symptoms can sometimes be related to the flu they are rarely the main symptoms of influenza. The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease.

4) A virus causes influenza, so antibiotics (like penicillin) don’t work to cure it. The best way to prevent the flu is to get an influenza vaccine (flu shot) each fall, before the flu season.

3) Family Medicine at UIC offers the flu vaccine for $20. CampusCare does not cover the flu vaccination. Call Family Medicine at (312) 996-2901 to schedule an appointment.

2) Anyone who wants to lower his or her chances of getting the flu can get a flu shot. You need a flu shot every year because after you get a flu shot, your immunity to the flu declines over time and may be too low to provide protection after one year.

1) If you do have the flu it is important to take care of yourself. Rest more than usual, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco to ensure a speedy recovery.

Top Ten List about Meningitis

10) Meningitis is an infection of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain; it is caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

9) Meningitis is spread through close contact with an infected person such as coughing, kissing, sneezing, etc.

8) Symptoms of meningitis include headache, stiff neck or high fever; other symptoms are nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and discomfort looking into bright lights.

7) Symptoms can develop over hours or take 1-2 days after infection.

6) If symptoms do occur see a doctor immediately; treatment through antibiotic administration should be started as early as possible.
5) Meningitis is diagnosed through a sample of spinal fluid through a spinal tap.

4) A vaccine is available for certain strains of meningitis; The American College Health Association recommends all college students have the meningitis vaccination.

3) A vaccine is available through UIC Family Medicine for $122. CampusCare does not cover the vaccine. Appointments may be scheduled by calling Family Medicine at (312) 996-2901.

2) The vaccine lasts 3-5 years, so an annual vaccination is not necessary.

1) Cases of meningitis are more likely to occur in students living in close quarters such as the dorms than off-campus.

Sexual Health Resources:

Emergency Contraception FAQ

STI/HIV and Pregnancy Testing Contacts

Campus Care: Student Health Benefits

Student Health Services at the Family Medicine Center

Wellness Question & Answer - Got a question about wellness? Find an answer here!