Cold and flu season is starting on campus.
In addition to the typical seasonal illnesses, health care providers across the state also were advised by the Oklahoma State Department of Health to watch for West Nile virus.
West Nile is a mosquito-transmitted illness that typically spreads from July through October.
The Oklahoma Health Alert Network system emailed an alert to health care providers Sept. 18 about reported West Nile cases in the state. The alert suggested that, while the number of reports this year has been low, having six reported cases since Aug. 15, health care providers should still consider West Nile a possible diagnoses if a patient exhibits specific symptoms.
The most common symptoms of West Nile include headache, weakness and a rash. West Nile can also lead to meningitis and paralysis in less than 1 percent of cases.
Although West Nile is a concern in Oklahoma, Megan Dernaika, part-time nurse practitioner at the Campus Health Clinic, said she is unaware of any West Nile cases on campus.
Students are susceptible to many other illnesses beyond West Nile. Any students who suspect they may be sick should avoid going to class, Dernaika said.
“Good rule of thumb with illnesses, if you have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, fever accompanied by chills and body aches, multiple episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in a 24–hour period, contact your professor about missing class,” Dernaika said. “The risk of transmission is increased when these symptoms are present, and your classmates will not appreciate you sharing the wealth.”
Campus Health officials also offer advanced assessment and treatment of illness, health and wellness education, vaccine administration, as well as referrals for more advanced care in the community. Dernaika said students should watch for emails about the clinic’s flu shot availability this season.
But some students said the campus clinic is not doing enough to address illness across campus.
“Every time my friends go to get a flu shot, nobody’s available,” said Kelly Pan, nursing senior. “Sometimes my roommate goes to the campus clinic when she’s sick, and they say that there’s no health care providers available to help.”
Joe Wathika, economics senior, said the Campus Health Clinic staff is helpful to students.
“The lady at the front is so cool. She always makes you feel so welcome,” he said. “I’ve always had a good experience with her.”
The Campus Health Clinic may be reached by calling (405) 208-5090, and the clinic is located in Kramer West.
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