Student Health & Counseling Services California State University San Marcos 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road
Tel: 760.750.4915
Fax: 760.750.3181
shcs@csusm.edu
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001
www.csusm.edu/shcs
Date: October 17, 2014
To: Students
From: Dr. Karen Nicholson, Director, Student Health and Counseling Services Center
It’s the time for midsemester emergence of infectious diseases, like flu, pertussis (Whooping
Cough), meningitis, or other viral infections that can impact your work. Seasonal flu season in
the U.S., typically occurs between December and May of each year. Cal State San Marcos
works closely with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Department to monitor
information related to the flu and other infectious diseases. The University’s preparations for the
upcoming flu season reflect their recommendations as well as those of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
Many illnesses can be spread easily from person to person. It’s important that you take the
necessary actions to protect yourself and others. The following are some suggestions for
everyday steps people can take to stay healthy:

Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds,
especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.

Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into their elbow or
shoulder, not into their hands. Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth, or other surfaces
before cleaning your hands; germs are spread this way.

Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of the flu and other common illnesses.
Many of the symptoms can be very similar. A fever is a temperature taken with a
thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for possible
signs of fever, such as: if you or another person feels very warm, has a flushed
appearance, or is sweating or shivering. Other symptoms can include cough, sore throat,
runny nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.

Stay home if you have the flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no
longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very
warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without
the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or
acetaminophen). If you do remain home due to a flu-like illness, please be sure to
communicate this directly to your professors via email, as well as to work out plans for
completing missed assignments.
The California State University
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Monterey Bay | Northridge | Pomona | Sacramento | San Bernardino | San Diego | San Francisco | San Jose | San Luis Obispo | San Marcos | Sonoma | Stanislaus

Talk with your health care provider or staff at the Student Health and Counseling
Services Center about whether you should be vaccinated for the seasonal flu or other
vaccine preventable diseases. Some of these vaccines are available at SHCS.
Flu Shots Are Available on Campus
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends influenza “flu” immunizations for all
individuals six months of age or older. Vaccinating those who care for infants younger than
six months protects not only those individuals, but these young infants as well.
This year’s seasonal influenza “flu” vaccine (2014-15) will be available at Student Health
and Counseling Services (in the PPH building) starting Friday, Oct. 10 for all currently
enrolled students, faculty and staff of CSU San Marcos. The cost is $10 for students and
$15 for faculty and staff. Vaccinations will be given via appointments. Appointments
may be scheduled by calling 760-750-4915.
For individuals 65 and older, the standard vaccine may be given; however, there is a high-dose
vaccine for this age group. The clinic will have a small quantity of this, beginning the week of
October 20, and the cost will be $30. You may also use http://flushot.healthmap.org/ to locate
local pharmacies that offer flu vaccinations. We recommend that you call ahead to confirm
vaccine availability at a chosen location.