01/18/2018
Influenza has arrived in Maine, you can still get your flu shot at the Garrison-Foster Health Center.
Influenza cases have been reported throughout Maine and may arrive on the Colby campus soon. The vaccine issued this year is offering good coverage against this year’s strains of the flu. It is not too late to get vaccinated and the Garrison-Foster Health Center has flu vaccine still available!
Flu symptoms may include fever of more than 100.0° F for 2-5 days, headache, muscle aches, weakness, a non-productive cough, sore throat, and runny nose.
If you have an underlying medical condition such as asthma, other respiratory illness, heart disease, or diabetes -- or are immunosuppressed --, contact the Health Center soon after developing flu-like symptoms. You may need treatment.
Most healthy individuals will be able to fight off influenza without intervention. Rest, proper hydration, and Tylenol or Ibuprofen use can be effective tools to help manage the flu.
If you experience severe flu-like symptoms for more than three days, contact the Health Center by phone (207-859-4460) to schedule an appointment as needed. If you need emergency medical care after hours, contact Colby Emergency Response (CER) and Security by phone (207-859-5911).
Prevention:
-Wash your hands: wash frequently, especially after you cough or sneeze
-Cover your cough: use tissues, or cough into your sleeve
-Stay at home when you are sick: symptomatic individuals should remain in their room and stay out of class until 24 hours after a fever resolves without the use of medications
-Get vaccinated: we still have vaccine available to all students and staff at the Garrison-Foster Health Center. Local pharmacies and primary care providers also have vaccine available. This offers protection in 14 days.
Avoid eating in the dining halls, spending time in public spaces, or participating in sports activities until you have been fever-free for 24 hours. Send a friend to pick up a “flu meal” from Dining Services at Dana (x5487) or Roberts (x5483) during regular serving hours. Call ahead to request the meal. Your friend will need to bring your Colby ID to pick up the meal.
Garrison-Foster Health Center hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat-Sun Noon-8 p.m.
To make an appointment for a flu shot you can schedule online or call 207-859-4460.