TO: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students
FROM: Campus Message
SUBJECT: Supporting your health: A message from University Health Services
DATE: August 21, 2024
Dear students,
We are excited to have everyone back in the fall and would like to give you a few suggestions to support your health while a student at Princeton.
STAYING HEALTHY
To treat the symptoms of viral illnesses and/or the discomfort associated with minor injuries, you should know which over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplies will be useful to you once you are away from home. University Health Services (UHS) has compiled a list of recommended medical supplies we suggest you bring with you to campus.
Living in proximity to or spending extended periods of time with others can increase the risk of spreading an illness. Below are tips that will help protect you from contagious illnesses, like the common cold or the flu:
- Avoid sharing anything that comes in contact with the mouth (e.g., water bottle, drinking cups, eating utensils, lip balm).
- Wash hands with mild soap and warm water frequently, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often, especially before meals.
- Eat well. A balanced diet, full of vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, supports the immune system.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can cause lower immune functioning. Aim to get 7-8 hours each night to stay healthy. The earlier to sleep, the deeper the sleep.
Vaccination is another important measure to decrease the chance of getting certain illnesses and developing complications from respiratory viruses. Vaccines currently available for respiratory viruses include those protecting from influenza, COVID, and RSV. Each has specific seasonal and age recommendations. CDC also offers guidance related to COVID and flu immunizations for the fall and winter season. Students should be ready to obtain updated COVID and influenza vaccinations when they are available in the early fall. The influenza vaccine will be available on campus free of charge through the following two options:
- A large vaccination clinic called FluFest, currently scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, Thursday, September 26 and Wednesday, October 2 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- By appointment with UHS after mid-September.
Updated COVID vaccines should become available through local pharmacies and have been easily obtained by students in the past through community venues.
IF YOU GET SICK
In spring 2024, the CDC and NJDOH relaxed their guidance around isolation, and there is no requirement to isolate after a COVID test. Instead, those with respiratory symptoms should adhere to CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance for all respiratory viruses, including staying up-to-date with vaccination, avoiding others when sick with fever and/or significant respiratory symptoms, and practicing good hygiene (frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes). KN95 masks continue to be available to students at each residential college office.
Contact UHS (609-258-3141) or Public Safety (609-258-1000) promptly if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Inability to stay hydrated or signs of dehydration, such as significant dizziness
- Confusion or severe headache
- High fever for more than three days
The University is no longer expecting students to submit COVID self-test results for public health purposes.
We wish you all the best for a healthy and rewarding 2024-2025 academic year!
Irini Daskalaki, M.D., Associate Director, Global and Community Health
Melissa Marks, M.D., Director, Medical Services