Erickson Hall, Ground Floor
Monday through Friday:
8:30am - 5:00pm
Phone: (410) 455-2542
Fax: (410) 455-1125
Available by calling campus police at 410-455-5555
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) is coordinating a multi-state investigation of meningitis who received epidural steroid injections (medication injected into the spine). Several of these patients have had strokesrelated to the meningitis. In several patients, the meningitis was found to be caused by a fungus that is common in the environment but rarely causes meningitis. This form of meningitis is not contagious. The source of the fungus has not yet been identified, and the cause of infections in the other patients is still being assessed.
We would like to stress that this outbreak is not contagious. If you received an epidural steroid injection in the last six months, and feel that you may be at risk, please contact your health care provider.
For more information, visit the CDC's website at: http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/meningitis.html.
It has been a long and very hot summer for everyone, but insects have seemed to love it. Mosquitoes in particular tend to thrive in warmer, humid weather, which may mean more mosquito bites for us! West Nile Virus, which some mosquitoes can carry and pass to humans, has been on the minds of many people as incidences are on the rise in the United States, and we have had our first death in the state of Maryland due to West Nile Virus. Read below for some information on how to prevent and treat mosquito bites and what symptoms to look out for related to West Nile Virus.
Your best bet is avoiding a bite to start with. It may be impossible to prevent all mosquito bites, but there are ways to reduce your risk.
Once you are bitten, wash the area with soap and water, use cold compresses or ice to reduce swelling and itching, and use calamine lotion, an over-the-counter hyrdocortisone cream, or a topical antihistamine to also help relieve itching.
When it comes to a West Nile Virus infection, about 80% of people who are infected have no symptoms. But in some people, West Nile virus can cause severe illness and even death. Those more at risk for getting sick from West Nile virus are people aged 50 and older.
In mild cases, symptoms may include:
Serious symptoms require a doctor's care. They include:
Symptoms usually occur three days to two weeks after a bite from an infected mosquito. If you notice any severe symptoms, see your doctor right away. You can usually treat less severe symptoms, such as a mild fever or headache, at home.
As we move further into the fall, cooler temperatures may start to bring relief from mosquitoes. They may be a pain, but with a little planning, you don't have to let them ruin your time outdoors. See the CDC website for more information: http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/.
(source: WebMD)
Quitting smoking is no easy task, so it's important to be aware of all the resources and assistance available to you on campus. All of these resources are free to students, faculty, and staff:
Preparing to Quit This is a 1-hour, one session, program for those that are unsure if they are ready to quit smoking. During this session, participants will weigh the pros and cons of quitting, identify what resources are available to them, and learn about the benefits that come with quitting. There is no commitment to quit required for those that attend and this program is also open to the public. Freedom From Smoking This is a seven week program designed to help people quit smoking through positive behavior change and helping participants develop their own plan on how to quit. In eight 1-hour sessions, you'll learn about reducing stress, cravings and withdrawal symptoms, how to control your weight while resisting the urge to smoke, and more. Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Chantix (with prescription) are available for eligible cessation class participants. This program is also open to the public.
1-1 Counseling Nurse Practitioners and Physicians at University Health Services are available to meet with individuals to discuss quitting. You can have a private conversation about how quitting will affect your health. If you are eligible for Nicotine Replacement Therapy or Chantix, these options are available. These visits are free and can be made by appointment by calling 410-455-2542.
Quit Smoking Medications There are many quit smoking medications available to the public. It is up to you and your physician to decide which may be best for you. University Health Services offers the nicotine patch, nicotine gum, nicotine lozenge, and the prescription Chantix. Each medication has its pros and cons and not everyone will experience the same results. If you are interested in trying a quit smoking medication to help you quit, you can make an appointment at University Health Services or attend a Freedom From Smoking class.
For more information on any of the above topics, please call 410-455-1558, email mdark1@umbc.edu, or visit www.umbc.edu/uhs.
