Ithaca College

The Hammond Health Center has seen an increase in visits from students suffering from symptoms of the flu (influenza) or other flu like illness. 

Symptoms of influenza typically include abrupt onset of fever and body aches, often accompanied by sore throat, cough, headache, fatigue, runny nose, or decreased appetite. Students with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease or immunosuppression should contact the Health Center at 607-274-3177 if experiencing flu-like symptoms as antiviral medications are recommended. Students without any underlying medical conditions should contact the Health Center if they are experiencing particularly severe flu-like symptoms.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please help protect your fellow students. You should remain out of class or work until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. Keep a safe distance from others – at least 6 feet; cover your cough; wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you are feeling too sick to go to the dining hall and/or are self-isolating, a friend or roommate may pick up Grab and Go meals from the dining hall for you using a sick meal pick-up form. These forms are available for you from your Resident Assistant or Residence Director.

Self care measures will make you more comfortable during recovery from this illness.  It is important to rest, monitor your temperature, drink plenty of fluids, eat as you are able, and take fever-reducing medication for aching and fever.

Professors and staff need to be aware that students with influenza must be excused from classes and job responsibilities – both for their health and the health of others on campus.

Students, it is not too late to receive a flu vaccine this year! Call the Health Center at 607-274-3177 to schedule a nurse visit to receive the influenza vaccine – free of charge.