Student Health Center

trees and grass outside health center

The Student Health Center provides comprehensive and confidential physical and mental health services for all full-time undergraduate students. The Student Health Center also provides relevant health and wellness programming including screenings on nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and other drug use, tobacco, stress, and general wellness.

All visits to the health center are free. Students’ insurance will be billed for any testing or referrals off campus, as well as prescriptions dispensed by the providers.

Please note: The Student Health Center providers do NOT write absence notes or give excuses for illnesses or visits.


Announcements & Advisories (23/24 Academic Year) 

2/7/24: Health Advisory – Influenza

Since the start of second semester, a number of influenza (flu) cases have been confirmed on campus. At this time, flu is considered widespread on campus.

WHAT IS INFLUENZA (FLU)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness in the college-age population.

Influenza (Flu) Symptoms:

The influenza illness can include any or all of the following symptoms:

  • Fever (100.4 or above)
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting and diarrhea

Students are encouraged, if possible, to go to their family home to recover (not using public transportation) OR self-isolate in their residence hall room or off-campus house and avoid contact with other people. If you develop any of the above symptoms and have a pre-existing health condition, such as chronic respiratory issues, diabetes, or immunosuppression, call the Student Health Center (401-865-2422)/Campus EMS (401-865-2391) immediately.

PREVENTING SEASONAL FLU

The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine every year. Providence College hosted three student flu vaccination clinics during the fall semester.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and RI Department of Health (RIDOH) also recommend everyday preventative measures such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying hydrated, good nutrition, and getting plenty of sleep.

TREATING SEASONAL FLU

There are anti-viral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness. They are best used when taken within 48 hours of the onset of illness.

Treatment is largely symptomatic. Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen (Motrin) for fever, chills, headache, and/or throat pain. Take an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant (NOT an anti-histamine) for stuffy nose along with an OTC saline nasal spray. Get rest and stay hydrated.

Important:

  • The CDC and RIDOH 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, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever reducing medications (Acetaminophen/Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen/Motrin).
  • The Student Health Center providers do NOT write class absence notes or give excuses for illnesses or visits. Students who need to miss class should email their professors directly.

For additional information please visit:

1/26/24: Health Center Announcement – COVID Booster Clinic

Health Services will be hosting a COVID booster clinic on Monday, February 5 from noon-4:00pm in ‘64 Hall. Don’t forget to bring your insurance card (or a photo of your card) with you. Registration is required to guarantee an appointment.  Click here to register and use Login ID: pc25.

Don't Take The Risk This Season, Get the Covid Vaccine.

9/19/23: Health Center Announcement – Flu Shot Clinics

Health Services will be hosting three student flu clinics this fall in ‘64 Hall. Don’t forget to bring your insurance card (or a photo of your card) with you. Registration is required to guarantee an appointment.  Click here to register and use the Login ID codes below.

  • 9/26/2023 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Use Login: pc926)
  • 10/25/2023 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Use Login: pc1025)
  • 11/2/2023 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Use Login: pc1102)
Don't Take The Risk This Season, Get the Flu Vaccine. For Ages 18 and up.