Flu season is in full bloom, and it is hard to find a classroom that does not have a student hacking up a lung in the back corner. It is times like these that students should be in touch with ways to stay healthy around campus.

From vaccinations to STI testing, Student Health Services has everything students need to stay during the school year. Located behind the Memorial Union, Student Health Services can be used by any student attending UND.

Flu symptoms typically develop seven days after the initial infection and include a wide variety of indicators. These include headache, vomiting, diarrhea, fever or chills, fatigue and muscle aches. Luckily, there are several things to be done to help avoid catching the flu.

“A flu shot is the best thing you can do to prevent the flu,” registered nurse Jessica Doty said. “But it also helps to practice basic hygiene, keep hydrated and to wash your hands often.”

But if worse comes to worse and an individual comes down with the flu, there are several things they can do.

According to an article released by the Student Health Advisory Counsel, it is best to drink plenty of clear liquids, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and avoid contact with others until 24 hours after your fever has passed.

Though it may be difficult to miss classes while stricken with the flu, sometimes it is best to stay at home.

“If you ever feel really sick, you’d want to let your faculty advisor know that you cannot come to class,” Doty said. “If it lasts longer than three days, come see us or give us a call.”

Services

If you are feeling under the weather, never hesitate to visit Student Health Services.

“Office visits are covered by your student fees,” Director of Student Health Services Michelle Eslinger-Schneider said. “Besides some specific physicals, your visit won’t cost you anything.”

Things to bring with to your appointment include your student ID, health insurance card and a list of any of the prescriptions you may be taking.

“Most visits last between 10 to 15 minutes, and you usually won’t have to wait,” Eslinger-Schneider said. “We also have people to help you out with insurance if you need it.”

With its 14 exam rooms, full lab and minor surgery suite, Student Health Services is prepared to handle a wide variety of medical issues. However they are a primary care facility, rather than urgent care, noted Eslinger-Schneider. This means if a situation is life threatening, it is best to call 911. However, X-rays are also available to students.

“We recently purchased brand new, state of the art radiology equipment,” Eslinger-Schneider said. “It’s not even a year old.”

Student Health Services not only provides resources for your physical health, but for your mental health as well. A quiet, discreet room is set up with a webcam that allows you to talk directly to a mental health professional.

“We hook up the doctor and she talks to you,” Eslinger-Schneider explained. “It’s like Skype in a way, but more confidential.

“All of a patient’s information is confidential,” Eslinger-Schneider said. “If there is something you don’t want your parents to know about, we are not allowed to tell them.”

Student Health Services also offers a well stocked pharmacy, and is available to refill students’ prescriptions.

“When refilling medication, it is extremely important to bring the old prescription bottle in or receipt,” added staff pharmacist Laurel Badger.

Student Health Services is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the hours on Tuesday being extended to 6:00 p.m.

“We have extended hours on Tuesdays in case kids don’t want to miss their classes,” stated Eslinger-Schneider.

Brendan McCabe is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. He can be reached at [email protected].