The surge in respiratory illnesses, from COVID-19 to the flu, has led to a decline in attendance rates, disrupted students’ schedules, and impacted their academic and social lives. Elson Student Health and Wellness has observed an increase in cases since students returned to campus after the winter break.
February typically marks the peak month of flu season in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Danielle D’Andrea Black, the associate director of marketing and communications for the Department of Student Health and Wellness, noted a similar trend at the University, with a rise in respiratory illnesses occurring in January and February. She emphasized that this pattern aligns with community rates of flu and other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 cases, which often surge after breaks when students travel.
Efforts to prevent respiratory illnesses, such as vaccinations and practicing healthy hygiene, have been actively promoted by Student Health and its affiliated groups, including the HealthyHoos team and the Peer Health Educators. Despite these measures, sickness rates remain high.
The Virginia Department of Health’s weekly influenza activity report indicates a high level of “influenza-like illnesses” in the state, with some students also experiencing other respiratory issues. First-year College student Jack Wallace recently received a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia, highlighting the severity of the situation. Student Health offers same-day and next-day appointments for immediate medical needs, encouraging students to use the HealthyHoos patient portal for scheduling appointments otherwise.
The increase in illness cases has not only affected the sick students but has also impacted the lives of those who remain healthy. Some professors have contracted illnesses, affecting their courses and students’ academic experiences. For instance, first-year College student Anna Russell mentioned her engagement class being disrupted due to her professor’s illness, leading to a more distanced and less interactive learning experience.
Despite efforts by professors to switch to online classes or asynchronous work to prevent the spread of illnesses, some students still attend class while sick, posing a threat to the well-being of all students, especially those who may be immunocompromised. Black emphasized the importance of staying home when sick and practicing self-care measures such as getting adequate sleep, eating well, and managing stress to support the immune system.
As flu season continues, Student Health offers various healthcare services, including rapid flu tests, COVID-19 PCR tests, and strep tests. However, Wallace suggested that more upfront communication about prevalent illnesses within the community could encourage students to utilize these resources more effectively and adopt healthier habits.