Health Services
Health ServicesFind Out What Our Patients Say About Us
Feedback Form "How Are we Doing"
Policy on providing medical excuse letters.
You may continue to receive care at the UHCS after your last semester at UWW
up to (but not including), the first day of classes for the new semester or
the second Monday in June for those leaving UWW after spring semester. Continuing
students not enrolled in summer session may pay a summer fee to receive health
services over the summer.
While we offer this service to avoid disruption of your care, it is important
that you begin to make arrangements for care with alternate providers before
you lose eligibility. Our staff can help you examine your options.
University Health and Counseling Services is not an emergency facility. In case of emergency, call 911.
How to care for yourself when you have a cold.
Measles update 4-10-08 see pages 12-13
MRSA Information
Strains of community acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have emerged in the past several years. Unlike hospital MRSA, community MRSA is currently still sensitive to a number of antibiotics. It is, however, resistant to the antibiotics we usually use for skin infections including methicillin, but also Keflex, dicloxicillin, Augmentin, erythromycin, azithromycin. These are still the best antibiotics for most skin infections but will be ineffective for MRSA.
The infection is spread by direct contact in most cases. You can help prevent
spread of any skin infection, including MRSA by:
• good hand-washing
• not sharing personal care items such as razors, towels
• keeping wounds covered
• appropriate cleaning of sports equipment surfaces after use.
The initial lesion in a skin infection can look like a pimple or insect bite. If this is not getting better over 3-4 days by keeping the area clean with soap and water and using a topical over-the-counter antibiotic cream, or if it seems to be getting worse rapidly or if you begin to run a fever great than 100.5, you need to be seen by a medical provider.
If you have questions or concerns, or wish to make an appointment at the Health Service, please call 414-472-1300. More information on MRSA
Tips for Teens with Diabetes Quiz for Teens with Diabetes
Information on influenza and prevention Information on influenza from Wisconsin DHSS
Who is at high risk of flu complications?
- People who are 50 years old or older. Even if you are active and in good health,
you have a higher risk of complications if you get the flu. Each year about
36,000 people in the U.S. die because of the flu.
-People with chronic (ongoing) or long-term health problems. You may look and feel healthy, but if you have a condition like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or asthma, you are more likely to have complications from the flu. If your immune system is weakened by long-term problems like cancer or HIV/AIDS, you need a flu shot (the flu shot is safe for people with weak immune systems).
-Women who are pregnant during flu season (typically November through March). Pregnant women are at risk of complications and hospitalization if they get the flu. The influenza vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their babies. Protect yourself and your baby by getting vaccinated.
-Children under 5 years old. Children under 5 years old have a high risk of emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to flu.
Influenza (flu) is a serious disease of the nose, throat, and lungs. It can make you sick for a week or longer with coughing, fever, aching, and more. And it can lead to pneumonia. Get your flu shot.
If you live with or take care of people like these, you should get vaccinated
too. When you protect yourself, you help protect your family and friends.
Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Avain Flu update Pandemic Influenza Planning for Individuals UWW Pandemic Flu Information
Gardisil, the vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by certain types of genital Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is now available at UHCS. A total of 3 shots is needed over a 6 month period. See Fees page for price. Call 262-472-1300 for an appointment. HPV Vaccine Questions and Answers
“Tuberculosis
WDHHS”
“Exposure to TB"
Tuberculosis
Fact Sheet
Students, staff and faculty can receive free individualized help to quit smoking from our smoking cessation expert, Judy Lembrich, RNC.
The first session lasts about 40 minutes and helps you identify your triggers and develop a comprehensive quit plan encompassing several strategies. Prescription medication, if appropriate, can be dispensed to students for a reasonable fee. (Staff and faculty need to see their own MD for prescriptive medicine).
E mail follow up to give support and problem solve is offered. If desired, 20 minute follow up support sessions may also be scheduled.
Call 262-472-1300 to schedule an appointment.
Students receiving allergy desensitization's at the Health Services must follow these regulations:
The Health Service at UHCS is staffed by a psychiatrist, two MDs and three nurse practioners who provide the full range of student health care. All of these providers care for students with mental health concerns. In providing care they can coordinate with counselors in our Counseling Services that the student may be seeing.
Health care staff commonly deal with the whole range of mental heatlh concerns students experience including depression, anxiety, as well as other less common concerns.
Staff can also assist students to get medication to treat these problems. After evaluating the student (this may include a review of records from other providers), the medical and nurse practitioner staff at UHCS can write a prescription for medication to be obtained from local pharmacies, can dispense one of the moderately priced medications we have in our dispensary and/or can help students apply for a patient assistance program to receive medication at no cost directly from the pharmaceutical company.
What is legionellosis?
Legionellosis is an infection caused by Legionella bacteria. The severity of
the illness can be mild or result in pneumonia. Most cases occur as single isolated
events, however outbreaks have been noted. There are two distinct forms of the
disease: "Legionnaires' disease" and "Pontiac fever".
How common is legionellosis?
Approximately 38 cases of legionellosis are reported each year in Wisconsin.
It is estimated that 8,000-18,000 persons get Legionnaires’ disease in
the United States each year.
How severe is the illness?
The severity of legionellosis can range from a mild respiratory illness (Pontiac
fever) to pneumonia (Legionnaires’ disease). Persons with Pontiac fever
generally recover in 2-5 days without treatment. Up to 20% of healthy adults
have antibodies showing previous exposure to the bacteria, but only a small
percentage has a history of previous pneumonia. Fatality rates for persons with
Legionnaires’ disease can be as high as 30%.
Where are Legionella bacteria found?
Legionella can be found in any type of water system. They have been found in
the environment in creeks and ponds and potting soil. The bacteria are prevalent
in warm stagnant water such as those found in most plumbing systems, hot water
tanks, water in cooling towers, evaporative condensers of large air conditioning
systems and hot tubs. Home and automobile air conditioners are NOT a source
of Legionella bacteria.
How is legionellosis spread?
The disease is acquired after inhaling mists from a water source that contains
Legionella bacteria. The disease can not be spread from person to person.
Who gets legionellosis?
The disease occurs most frequently in middle-aged adults. The disease most often
affects those who smoke heavily, have chronic lung disease or have underlying
medical conditions that lower their immune system resistance to disease such
as diabetes, cancer or renal dysfunction. Persons taking certain drugs that
lower their immune system resistance, such as steroids have an increased risk
of being affected by legionellosis.
What are the usual symptoms of legionellosis?
The early symptoms of legionellosis include muscle aches, headache, tiredness,
loss of appetite, and coughing followed by high fever (102-105o), chills and
occasionally diarrhea. In Legionnaires' disease chest X-rays often show pneumonia.
How soon do symptoms occur?
The period between exposures and onset of illness for Legionnaires' disease
is 2-10 days, but most often 5-6 days; for Pontiac fever it is 5-66 hours, but
most often 24-48 hours.
What is the treatment for legionellosis?
Antibiotics such as erythromycin are effective for treating Legionnaires’
disease. Pontiac fever requires no specific treatment.
DEVELOPED BY THE DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH, BUREAU OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY SECTION
PPH 42066 (Rev. 05/04)
What Our Patients Say About Us:
Last year 99%
of surveyed students who used the health service rated it as excellent
or good and 100% said they would use it again if needed.
"I am always able to get an appointment in a timely manner. I feel I have been helped to the best of the staff's abilities. I choose UHCS over any other place every time."
"The front office staff was wonderful! Their smiles and concern for my care completely brightened my day!"
"I really enjoy being able to keep consistency in the doctor I see."
"I was very thankful this exists. I do not have insurance so it helps to be able to have a place to go where many things are free and what's not is cheaper. The healthcare providers are all very nice and willing to help."
"Staff is concerned and nice. They do what they can to try and assist you with your needs. Dr. and staff try to get to know you on a personal level and make you feel more at home/relaxed"
The majority found their visit to the Health Service helpful in their academic performance/attendance.
"The staff is always very friendly, Most of the time I am seen right at my scheduled appointment. Really has improvved my schoolwork and attitude on life."
"The doctor was very helpful in explaining what I had and what treatment was available. Also, the free samples were great for my college budget."
"The staff is alwyas very freindly and helpful. They listen to your concerns and do their best to help, offering assistance and advice on how you can help yourself."
"I think you do a great job! I like how you seem to always get people in to see someone ASAP."
"Very helpful and fast service. Way better than
any previous doctor’s appointment that I’ve had anywhere else. Thanks!"
" I have been to the UHCS many times while at UW-Whitewater.
Each visit I am greeted by friendly staff and receive excellent, timely advice.
My concerns are always heard and addressed."
" Staff is so helpful and patient. Thank you! Thank
you! Thank you!"
"Very accommodating. Procedure done ahead of schedule. Pleasant staff to work with."
"Very helpful, the health center got me on a program that takes care of my medication. Until then I had to pay for it or go without. (no insurance)"
"I have used UHCS since I began my education at
UWW and have never had a bad experience. Staff is friendly and approachable.
I'm very happy with the service provided at UHCS"
Whats New | Counseling Services| Wellness Center | Home
This site is not meant to replace the advice of a health care or counseling professional. You should not rely on any information on these pages, or information generated for you by this site, to replace consultations with qualified professionals regarding your own specific situation.
“Some links takes you to a source outside of UHCS. The owners of that site, not UHCS, are responsible for the content."
For health care questions, do not email, please call 262-472-1300 menu option 4
Updated: 11/05/2008
University Health & Counseling Services
For Comments: brueggek@uww.edu