Health Services
The mission of Rhode Island College Health Services is to provide confidential and holistic primary health care to enhance the academic potential of our students. Each student encounter is an opportunity to educate about prevention and risk reduction to promote life-long healthy choices. Health Services is committed to providing high quality, accessible and cost effective services in a non-judgmental atmosphere that values diversity and respects individuality.
HEALTH ALERTS:
Health Advisory - Influenza
The RI Department of Health is reporting widespread flu in the state.
- Be vigilant about handwashing
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Get a seasonal flu vaccine – it’s not too late! Free vaccine is available in Health Services – call 456-8055 for an appointment
Influenza (Flu) Symptoms:
The influenza illness can include any or all of the following symptoms:
- Fever (100 degrees or above) or feeling feverish/chills
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatique
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
On-campus students who are experiencing influenza-like symptoms should remain in their rooms, check their temperature, and contact
Student Health Services at 401-456-8055. A staff member will assist students in following the appropriate influenza protocol.
If you live off-campus, stay home from class and contact your primary care provider for instructions; if RIC Health Services is your PCP, please call the office for instructions.
If diagnosed with influenza, students should:
- Make arrangements to go home if able or self-isolate in their room until free of fever for 24 hours
- Call Health Services daily (401-456-8055) and report fever and health status
- Get extra rest, good nutrition, and lots of fluids (water, juice, PowerAde and Gatorade are best)
- Notify RA if extra help is needed in the residence halls
- Email professors to let them know you will be out of class
- Find a friend or roommate to bring meals or food to your room from the dining hall
- Inform roommates to call Health Services if they have a chronic health condition such as asthma, diabetes, a heart condition or immunosuppression
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and RI Department of Health recommend that people with influenza-like illness remain at home/out of the classroom until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 or greater) without the use of fever reducing medications. If you have a pre-existing health condition, such as chronic respiratory issues (like asthma), diabetes, a heart condition, or immunosuppression, call Health Services or your primary care provider. Antiviral medications are available by prescription.
The CDC has published additional information online about the flu and antiviral drug treatment.
Emergency Warning:
If you develop a high fever, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, confusion or if flu-like symptoms improve but then return with high fever and worse cough, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Office Hours
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During the Academic Year |
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Monday - Friday |
7:30am - 5:00pm |
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During summer sessions and break periods |
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Monday - Friday |
7:30am - 4:00pm |
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| Phone: (401) 456-8055 |
Fax: (401) 456-8890 |
