The physical health of the student body plays a large role in student activity and wellbeing on Hamilton’s campus, and as the weeks go by, the prevalence of student illness grows greater.
Barbara Fluty, Director of the Student Health Center, told
The Spectator
, “The return of students and faculty to campus brings with it an expected return of illness. We are seeing some Flu A earlier than expected. We have seen some COVID-19, as well as other viral infections. It has been consistent with our expectations from the past following a return to campus for this time of year.”
In Oneida County, the seven-day average number of cases as of Sept. 23, 2023 was 7.6 (per 100k), while all of NY state had an average number of 16.7.
Fluty notes that compared to past years, particularly before COVID-19, the Health Center now finds that students are “facing increased stress around illness” and do not want to experience the challenges of the pandemic once again. The Health Center is also facing additional stress, as more students are requesting walk-in evaluations than pre-scheduled appointments. “Sometimes we may seem cavalier around illness topics but the reality is that we are trying hard to help educate people about personal responses that can be taken until the situation is resolved,” says Fluty.
To protect themselves from contracting an illness, Fluty suggests that students use a number of tools, ranging from washing your hands with warm water and soap, drinking fluids and sleeping enough for your body to strengthen your immune system and getting vaccinated against COVID-19, for which Rite Aid is coming to campus soon.
Education is the main priority of the Health Center, and with more cases of illness this fall, a decision regarding how to proceed is left up to the Health Department. In the meantime, attending sessions such as the Health Center’s “Health Matters” information series can inform students on crucial health topics, such as “Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex, But Were Afraid to Ask Your Healthcare Provider…A No-Holds-Barred Conversation About Sexual Health,” which will be led by Dr. Jeffrey Bailey DNP/FNP-BC in Oct., open to all students.
When looking ahead for the semester, campus health will be under close observation in the midst of trips home and increasing time spent indoors. More than ever, it is important to follow community health recommendations to ensure a safe and healthy campus.