How To Stay Healthy This Fall
By Anna Lipscomb ‘19
Fall is a fun time - you can dress up in costumes, drink pumpkin spice lattes, put up Christmas lights, and spend time with friends and family. But don’t forget - as the seasons change and the temperatures drop, so can our health.
(Photo from USC News)
Health Center Resources
Engemann Student Health Center
Hours (May vary)
M-Th 8:30am-5:30pm
Fri 9:30am-4:30pm
Sat-Sun 10:00am-2:00pm
Phone number: (213) 740-9355
After hours (medical assistance): (213) 740-9355
Emergency on or near campus: DPS (213) 740-4321
Emergency off campus: 911
Closest emergency departments: California Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital
Closest Urgent Care Clinics: Healthcare Partners, US Healthworks
Acute Care Clinic (for immediate, non-life threatening medical concerns):
1st floor of health center during business hours (M-F 8:30am-4:30pm)
Appointments:
Call (213) 740-9355 or make it online.
Norovirus
Lately USC has had an outbreak of norovirus, which is a highly contagious virus that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
(Video by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Symptoms include:
diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever*, headache*, body/muscle aches*
* = less common
What you should do to:
-Drink plenty of water! Staying hydrated is extremely important when you’re sick.
-Frequently wash your hands - this will help curb the virus from being spread further. Similarly, clean surfaces and living areas (especially if you share them with others). Don’t forget about cleaning door knobs and handles! They are full of germs.
-Don’t prepare food for others (this could spread the virus)
-Stay home! You need to rest. Also, you shouldn’t spread the disease to others. Be sure to contact your professor so that they are aware of your situation (trust me, they and your fellow classmates appreciate it)
-If you have a meal plan you can request a BRAT meal (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) to be delivered (email diningbratmeal@usc.edu)
-Typically, people recover within 1-3 days
-Once you recover, you should disinfect the area again, as well as wash your laundry and sheets!
How to avoid it:
-Avoid putting your hands near your mouth, and as I said in the above point - wash your hands!
-Once again, wash your hands (Engemann Student Health Center recommends scrubbing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water and then following with hand sanitizer). Beyond washing your hands - wash/clean around you! If you’re cooking food, make sure it has been washed thoroughly (especially fruits and vegetables). Make sure to frequently wash
More Information:
Norovirus Health Alert (By Engemann Student Health Center)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Preventing Norovirus Infection
Gastroenteritis Fact Sheet (By Engemann Student Health Center)
Flu
The flu always goes around in the fall.
Symptoms:
-Fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy/runny nose, headache, fatigue, body aches
-It usually lasts 1-2 weeks
What you should do:
-Get your flu shot! It is highly recommended to get your flu shot each year. This is one of the best ways to avoid getting it. You can get at the Engemann Student Health Center or the UPC pharmacy. If you have USC health insurance, it is covered. If you do not, it costs $32. Getting this immunization can save you a great deal of time and pain.
-Frequently wash your hands and surfaces and avoid touching your eyes and nose
-Try to avoid contact with those are sick
-If you get sick, stay at home to prevent spreading it others
-See a doctor. They may be able to prescribe you antiviral drugs for the flu
-Rest! Resting is so important when you are sick. Don’t push yourself much - just focus on getting better.
More information:
Engemann Student Health Center: Important Flu Facts
Cold
Colds are also very common around this time.
Symptoms:
sore throats, runny noses, coughing, sneezing
What you should do:
-According to the CDC, colds usually last 7-10 days
-Cover your mouth and nose when you cough/sneeze. Don’t forget to throw away your used tissues and wash your hands afterwords!
-Clean/disinfect surfaces
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and remember to frequently wash your hands and use sanitizer!
-Water/fluids! (I find that teas and Vitamin C drinks also help)
-Rest. Resting is extremely, extremely important. If you keep pushing yourself too much, it could make you feel worse. Stay at home and limit your activities. You don’t want to spread it to others.
-See a doctor if symptoms worsen or last longer than usual
Fight on and stay healthy, Trojans!
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