Infectious Illnesses
Infectious Illnesses
University life and the Campus setting combined with seasonal increases in airborne and droplet viruses and bacteria can lead to you contracting or transmitting infectious illnesses. There are specific approaches recommended for different infectious illnesses but in general the following principles apply;
- If you think you have a signficant symptom suggestive of an infection, consider staying at home*
- Practice the habits learnt during the COVID-19 Pandemic, around hand washing, respiratory hygeine, ventialation and mask wearing
- Ensure you have received vaccinations, including; 2 doses of MMR, COVID-19 course including Boosters, HPV vaccine, MenC
*If you are a clinical student or a student on clinical placement and think you may have symptoms of an infectious illness such as COVID-19, Influenza, or Mumps, it is best practice not to attend clinical setting or a setting with others who may be vulnerable if you are infectious. Contact us directly for advice using our dedicated Contact Form.
Fill out the Form at https://www.ucc.ie/en/studenthealth/healthcare/clinicalplacement/
COVID-19
COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community.
Read the latest advice on COVID-19 at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/
Read the latest advice about COVID-19 Vaccinations and Boosters and who should get them and where. UCC Student Health is not a COVID-19 vaccination centre
Influenza
Influenza occurs in outbreaks from late October through to February in Ireland.
Influenza vacccine is available for students in the groups below free of charge in UCC Student Health. You can also contact your local GP or a participating local pharmacy if you are in the at risk groups to get the vaccine.
Flu Vaccination Programme 2023-24
The Student Health Department is providing 'Flu vaccine to any students in one of the at-risk groups.
As well as clinical healthcare students who are in contact with patients and clients, the vaccine is free to the following at-risk categories:
Those who are:
-
- age 65 and older
- a healthcare worker
- pregnant
- living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
- in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl
- someone with a health condition that puts you at higher risk of flu (age 6 months and older)
- living with someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu
- a carer for someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu
People with the following conditions are also entitle to get a free flu vaccine:
- chronic heart disease, including acute coronary syndrome
- chronic liver disease
- chronic kidney failure
- chronic respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- chronic neurological disease including multiple sclerosis, hereditary and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system
- diabetes
- Down syndrome
- haemoglobinopathies
- a body mass index (BMI) over 40
- immunosuppression due to disease or treatment (including asplenia or hyposplenism, and cancer)
- children with a moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorder such as cerebral palsy
- children on long-term aspirin therapy
- any condition that can compromise respiratory function, like spinal cord injury, seizure disorder or other neuromuscular disorder, especially people also attending special schools or day centres
MUMPS MEASLES AND RUBELLA
MUMPS outbreaks have occurred in the campus setting over the past 20 years.
Read about MEASLES MUMPS AND RUBELLA
Read about MMR