Health Updates

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and can be fatal.

Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache, headaches, and fatigue. Some individuals may also have signs of vomiting and diarrhea.

Flu is spread through droplets that are made when individuals cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby and thereby transmit the virus. The virus can also be transmitted after touching a surface or object that contains the virus.

ASU Health Services, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) highly recommends obtaining vaccination for the Flu annually.

Additional information on the Flu can be found at the link below

cdc.gov/flu

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Most people infected with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention.

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when
they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe.

ASU Health Services, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) highly
recommends obtaining vaccination for COVID-19.

Additional information about COVID-19 is available. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/about/index.html

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms include an itchy, blister-like rash in addition to other symptoms. Chickenpox illness usually lasts about 4 to 7 days.

The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the chest, back, and face, before it spreads to the rest of the body. It usually takes about 1 week for all of the blisters to become scabs and to no longer be infectious.

A vaccine is available to prevent chickenpox and for most people the vaccine or getting chickenpox provides immunity for life.

Additional information about Chickenpox is available. https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/index.html

Meningitis B is a life-threatening disease caused by bacteria that affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord, in addition to infecting the bloodstream.

Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck. It also can present with symptoms similar to the flu and will often cause nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, rash and confusion. It is important to obtain prompt medical attention at the onset of any of these symptoms.

Meningitis B can spread from person to person through close contact (coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact, especially among people living in the same household.

The Meningitis B vaccine is strongly recommended by ASU Health Services, and the CDC
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The Meningitis B vaccine only became available in
2015 and is distinct from the standard Meningitis vaccine, and both of these vaccinations are
important to maintaining optimal health.

All ASU students are encouraged to get the Meningitis B vaccination.

Additional information about Meningitis is available. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/index.html

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses (like the flu or COVID-19). RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses. It usually peaks in December and January.

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include runny nose, congestion, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.

RSV can be very serious for babies, some young children, and older adults.

More information about RSV is available. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html

Whooping cough is a respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease is only found in humans.

Whooping cough bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper
respiratory system. The bacteria release toxins (poisons), which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell. This can be dangerous to babies and older adults but can cause serious illness in anyone.

More information about whoop cough is available here. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/signs-symptoms