As the fall semester winds down, the Vinncness University Primary Care Center is there to address and aid students’ health concerns during the usual rise in seasonal illnesses.
Jamie Kocher, primary care center office manager, said, “We haven’t seen an increase in student illnesses beyond the average for this time of year.”
This season, the most common illnesses reported include respiratory infections and gastrointestinal issues, such as upset stomachs and vomiting.
Kocher said,” These are the usual complaints we see every fall and early winter.”
She also mentioned that there have been no confirmed cases of influenza on campus so far, with only a few instances of strep throat and mononucleosis (mono) reported.
The Care Center does not provide vaccines directly, but officials are available to assist students in connecting with the Knox County Health Department for vaccination options.
Kocher said, “We can help people get hooked up with where to go for vaccines, but we don’t administer them here.”
The Care Center also offers routine COVID-19 and flu testing.
“If a student calls in feeling unwell, we have a checklist to determine whether they need testing,” she said. “Our test kits can screen for both COVID and flu simultaneously with one swab.”
To stay healthy and avoid getting sick during the fall season, she encourages students to adopt healthy habits.
Kocher said, “Eating healthy, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest is crucial. Also keeping dorm rooms clean and practicing good hygiene like washing hands and not sharing food or drinks are also important.”
She also said students should be cautious of symptoms that would require medical attention.
Kocher said, “If you have a fever of 101 or higher, a persistent cough that causes shortness of breath, or gastrointestinal distress that prevents you from keeping food or fluids down, those are concerning signs that need medical attention.”
Students can reach the Care Center by phone to schedule appointments as walk-ins may not always be accommodated.
She said, “We prefer students to call and make an appointment to ensure we can assist them effectively.”
