Category: Health and Safety

Sedgwick County health officials are closely monitoring the spread of measles in Kansas. Unvaccinated residents are the most at risk when traveling to areas with known outbreaks or when traveling internationally. While preparing for summer travel, both domestically and internationally, and returning to families at the end of the semester, Student Health advises you to review your personal vaccination history and refer to the Sedgwick County document for measles (MMR) vaccine recommendations.

Visit the Sedgwick County Health Department Measles site for additional information regarding measles data, symptoms and treatment, prevention and up-to-date local measles vaccination clinics.

Student Health Services can administer MMR vaccines and provide up-to-date information on its health advisories page. Call 316-978-4792 for more information regarding insurance coverage and costs of the measles vaccination, as well as discuss if you should receive an MMR booster. 

If you get medications from Student Health, plan ahead to get them refilled before the semester ends or transfer them to a pharmacy where you will be spending the summer. Student Health is here for you all summer, but you may be spending your summer elsewhere.

If you have questions about your prescription or need to make an appointment, contact Student Health via the myShockerhealth portal at wichita.edu/shs or by calling 316-978-4792.

As of today, there has been no reported measles cases in Sedgwick County, per county health officials who are closely monitoring the situation. Unvaccinated residents are the most at risk when traveling to areas with known outbreaks or when traveling internationally. While preparing for summer travel, both domestically and internationally, and returning to families at the end of the semester, Student Health advises you to review your personal vaccination history and refer to the Sedgwick County document for measles (MMR) vaccine recommendations.

Visit the Sedgwick County Health Department Measles site for additional information regarding measles data, symptoms and treatment, prevention and up-to-date local measles vaccination clinics.

Student Health Services can administer MMR vaccines and provide up-to-date information on its health advisories page. Call 316-978-4792 for more information regarding insurance coverage and costs of the measles vaccination, as well as discuss if you should receive an MMR booster. 

The April 18 issue of the myShockerhealth newsletter focuses on finals and handling stress, working parents, taking care of your vision and more.

Topics this month:

• Balancing two full-time roles
• Screen breaks are necessary for eye health
• April is Alcohol Awareness Month
• I’m “low-key” stressed out
• Employee Corner: ShockerStart resources
• IUDs: Your new birth control BFF

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the risk of measles spreading throughout Kansas remains low. However, pockets of low vaccination coverage leave some communities at higher risk for outbreaks. Learn more about measles — including vaccination information — at the KDHE website. And learn more about general health advisories and WSU Student Health resources here.

There have been no reported measles cases in Sedgwick County per county health officials who are closely monitoring the situation. Unvaccinated residents are the most at risk when traveling to areas with known outbreaks or when traveling internationally. For up-to-date local measles vaccination clinics and facts, visit the Sedgwick County website.

Student Health Services wants Shockers to be aware of health-related travel advisories for your Spring Break destinations. Mexico and other popular vacation sites may also have travel warnings.

Temperatures are expected to drop throughout the week, so be sure that you are prepared to stay safe as you make your way on campus between classes.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment offers advice on how to avoid cold weather-related health issues:

• Wear appropriate clothing, such as: Hats, scarves or masks that cover face/mouth, water-resistant coats, gloves, several layers of loose-fitting clothing and water-resistant boots
• Pay special attention to most-affected body parts: Nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin and fingers

Buildings on campus are open during the school day, so if you feel like you are experiencing any adverse effects from the weather, take a moment to warm up in a building as you make your way to class.

If you experience any health issues from the weather, you can contact Student Health Services (SHS) at student.health@wichita.edu or call 316-978-4792. SHS is located in the Steve Clark YMCA on campus.

It’s flu season and there are a lot of positive cases right now. Protect yourself and others with simple prevention strategies: wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and consider wearing a mask and socially distancing, particularly if you feel unwell. You can also still get flu shots at local pharmacies if you need one.

Faculty and staff can visit the the Student Health Faculty/Staff Acute Care Clinic for minor and acute medical issues only, including cough, cold, fever and flu. Appointments are required for the clinic. The clinic is located in the Student Wellness Center within the Steve Clark YMCA. Most appointments are $30 to $50 for an office visit evaluation by a Student Health Services medical provider, dependent on insurance. The office visit cost does not include the costs for laboratory services, medications or radiology services. Call 316-978-4792 to schedule an appointment.

Co-pays or deductibles are the employee’s responsibility and depend on personal health insurance benefits.

It is flu season and there are a lot of positive cases right now. Protect yourself and others with simple prevention strategies: wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and consider wearing a mask and socially distancing, particularly if you feel unwell.

You can still get flu shots at local pharmacies if you need one. If you feel unwell, you can make an appointment at Student Health through the myShockerhealth portal.

Remember, medication take back is available every day at Student Health. You can bring any unused or expired medication for safe disposal to Student Health Services from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Student Wellness Center in the Steve Clark YMCA.

You can also pickup medication disposal bags to take with you for free at the Student Wellness Center.