Sore throats, coughs, runny noses…

Respiratory Illnesses

SHS is seeing a high demand for appointments for students with symptoms of upper respiratory illnesses. Did you know most colds, flu, COVID-19, sinusitis, and tonsillitis can be treated with over-the-counter medications and do not require a visit to a health care provider? Check out our Self Care for Upper Respiratory Illness information to start feeling better!

Flu Vaccine Information

SHS offers seasonal flu vaccine by appointment for students, staff, and faculty by calling (252) 328-6841 during regular business hours.

Flu Illness

Flu cases are on the rise and SHS is seeing many students testing positive for flu.

Most cases do not need to be treated by a health care provider and can be safely managed at home, using over the counter medications to help symptoms. Need to self report that you have COVID or flu? Log in to PiratePort for the self reporting form. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE TREATED AT SHS OR HAVE TAKEN A FLU TEST IN A MEDICAL OFFICE TO USE THE SELF REPORT FORM.

Students can use the self report if they have had a positive home test, been diagnosed with flu by a health care provider, or if they believe their symptoms are consistent with flu. Self reporting is NOT a class excuse and cannot be used multiple times per semester, but it is a way to notify professors of illness. Students should still contact professors directly about any missed classes or assignments. SHS does not provide class excuses.

 

 

COVID Guidance from CDC

The CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance on 3/1/2024. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV.

Read about the new guidance, including what to do if you or someone close to you has COVID-19, flu, or RSV. here

 

COVID Testing

Home tests for COVID-19 are available for purchase at the SHS pharmacy and other retail pharmacies. Many retail pharmacies also offer testing appointments.

Students who are ill and feel they need to see a health care provider can contact SHS at (252) 328-6841 during business hours; SHS can perform testing for common respiratory viruses based upon symptoms and duration of illness. Testing charges at SHS will be filed to private insurance first if we have insurance information on file. We file most insurances; we currently cannot file government sponsored insurances and some Medicare Plans. Any balance unpaid by insurance will be charged to a student’s cashier account.

Please note, if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID but test negative on a home test, please re-test 48 hours after your initial negative test. Guidance on using home tests for COVID is available for more information.

COVID Vaccination

COVID bivalent boosters are no longer authorized in the United States. The new updated 2024-2025 booster is available at local retail pharmacies. SHS does not offer COVID vaccinations.