By Elizabeth Tertadian
As the winter chill encroaches upon UP, students are bound to get sick. This is standard, even without the swine flu.
Located in Orrico Hall, the University Health Center's mission is "to maintain the health of heart, mind and body."
It offers many services to help students who are sick, including an on-site nurse practitioner, counselors, physical exams, diagnosis tests, prescription medication, general health programs and immunizations. Over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, are sold at the Health Center.
A student who is feeling ill should make an appointment at the Health Center with the nurse. Appointments can be made by walking in or by phone.
According to nurse practitioner Jeanette Bradford, the Health Center can provide most everything students need.
This flu season, seasonal flu shots are available. A flu test is also available that will test for flu types A and B.
H1N1 flu shots are not available yet due to the nationwide shortage.
While no one can be tested directly for H1N1 unless hospitalized, H1N1 is classified as a type A flu.
According to Bradford, students who test positive for a type A flu this season most likely have H1N1.
"Swine, H1N1, is just like the seasonal influenza," said Bradford. "It is not more dangerous. They're both the flu."
If caught within the first 48 hours, the seasonal flu can be treated successfully with a drug called Tamiflu, which is an anti-viral medication the Health Center keeps on site that typically cuts symptom duration in half.
Along with all other prescription medications, Tamiflu is sold to students who want and need it.
It costs $103, which is what it costs the Health Center. Students can bill directly to Student Accounts, or send the receipt to their health insurance for reimbursement.
Although the flu is a constant concern for many UP students, the Health Center provides other services as well. Tests for strep, pregnancy, mono, HIV and other STDs are available.
"You name it, I think we can test for it," Bradford said.
In addition to tests and prescriptions, the Health Center also offers other services.
"Because we don't offer birth control I think a lot of students don't think we offer women's health care services," she said. "Actually, it is a very safe, non-judgmental place to come and have things done."
The Health Center does not keep controlled substances on site. Controlled substances are narcotics and methamphetamine related drugs, such as Vicodin, Ritalin, Oxycodone, Tylenol 3 or codeine and are not available at the Health Center.
If a student needed such a drug, a prescription would be written and the student could pick it up at a local pharmacy.
A wide range of vaccines are also available at the Health Center at anytime. Depending on the vaccine, they range in price anywhere from $45-$165.
The Health Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
According Health Center Director Paul Myers, the Health Center's hours are shaped by the budget, which is directly associated with tuition.
"The Health Center could be open longer and on weekends if students want to pay higher tuition for that purpose," said Myers. "We regularly take a look at that possibility but our sense is that students do not want to pay higher tuition for more Health Center hours."
If a student needs care after-hours, a nurse consultation is available by phone.
This service is intended for students who are uncertain about whether to seek immediate care at the hospital or emergency room. The Community CareLine may be reached at 800-607-5501.
Because the Health Center is not open on weekends, students would be wise to stock up on basic medications such as Advil, Tylenol, ibuprofen and cough medication.
Having general health vitamins is not a bad idea either. Currently, flu kits are available at the Health Center for $10 and include self-care supplies.
"Have a thermometer," said Bradford. "That is key."
Besides that, she suggests keeping Tylenol or ibuprofen at the ready, throat lozenges and something to keep you hydrated, such as water or Gatorade.
