Health Services sees spike in illness this semester

By Jordan Harrington

After a spike in flu and other illnesses over the past two months, the worst appears to be over on campus. 

“The numbers of individuals with acute respiratory illness, Influenza diagnosis, and symptoms of acute gastroenteritis have steadily decreased over the past few weeks,” said Maria Sullivan, Stonehill College Director of Health Services. 

The peak occurred in late January and early February, but Health Services reported a downward trend in cases since. 

“There are no concerning patterns at this time, and I am cautiously optimistic that the trend is in the downslope,” Sullivan said. “However, since these illnesses are still circulating in the wider community, along with some scattered cases on campus, it is important to practice preventive strategies, as it can easily spread to others.” 

Photo Credit: mass.gov

To track potential outbreaks on campus, Stonehill Health Services keeps a “Trending Illness” log that documents affected students’ residence halls, extracurricular activities, and other factors to identify any patterns that might raise concern. Sullivan said there is no specific place or activity that has been detected as a heightened place of illness as of now. 

The flu virus will be contagious for up to a week once symptoms begin. The norovirus, which causes acute gastroenteritis, has an incubation period of 12 to 48 hours. The best way to protect yourself from both illnesses, Sullivan said, is regular handwashing and good hygiene. 

Stonehill Health Services continues to provide treatment, guidance, and preventive education for students on campus. “Our typical response is to share information, guide the college community, and collaborate with campus colleagues as needed,” Sullivan said. 

Flu vaccines are available at local pharmacies for those who have not been vaccinated yet. 

Every fall semester, Stonehill College hosts flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics on campus to help immunize those from illness. Sullivan stated that since flu season can have a “second wave,” it is not too late to receive a flu vaccine before spring break begins. 

Whenever there is an uptick of cases on campus, Health Services requests the facilities management to increase their disinfection efforts in response to illness trends, concentrating on high-touch areas across campus, according to Sullivan.  

Even though Stonehill’s academic policies regarding illness-related absences remain the same. 

“We encourage students to communicate their projected absence due to illness to their faculty as soon as possible… in a timely and effective manner,” Sullivan said.  

A campus-wide email from the Academic Division on Jan. 29 restated the importance of practicing direct communication between students and faculty regarding missed classes due to illness. 

Students seeking a diagnosis and treatment plan at Health Services express their concerns about “red flag symptoms” and recovery time. 

“With any illness, it is crucial for recovery to avoid dehydration by staying hydrated, resting, and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen,” Sullivan said. 

"Preventive wellness strategies are the key," Sullivan said, emphasizing how crucial it is to partake in healthy eating, exercise, sleep, and hygiene in decreasing one's risk of illness. Additionally, she urged students to stay up to date on vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, and the Tdap booster, which is recommended every ten years. 

As spring break is almost here, Sullivan advises students to do research on health advisories at their travel destinations and engage in the proper precautions to stay safe while traveling.  

“Know before you go,” she said. “Be intentional about making choices that will keep you healthy in the short term and the long term as well.” 

As the current decrease in cases is hopeful, Stonehill Health Services encourages students to be cautious in preventing illness as the semester continues. 

For more information, follow Stonehill’s Health and Wellness Instagram at @stonehillhealthandwellness for regular updates on illness trends and health resources.