YouAlberta
During the fall and winter months, longer periods of being indoors, along with other factors, can lead some of us to bouts of being unwell along with illness or injury. It's important to take care of ourselves and our community during this period, so here are a few precautionary steps:
Flu shots are available on campus starting Oct.16
While it's not our fault if we get sick, taking care of ourselves in advance can often prevent or reduce the severity of the unwellness we experience. Vaccinations for the flu will be available through the University Health Centre (UHC) and UHC Pharmacy in SUB starting later this month. Pre-booking online is recommended to avoid wait times.
Avoid slips and falls
As the temperatures drop, the days grow shorter, and those beautiful leaves finish falling from the trees, we all know that snow and ice are inevitable. The U of A's facilities and ground maintenance units keep the sidewalks and roadways around our campuses clear, but slips and falls can still occur on campus or at home. Helpful tips to avoid injuries from these include making sure we've got proper footwear and avoiding rushing (running) while it's icy outdoors.
Follow public health guidance and practice good hygiene
Routine cleanliness and hygiene prevent the spread of illness to both ourselves and others. Following these public health guidelines is not difficult and should be a part of our everyday lives:
- Regularly washing hands with soap and water.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or elbows.
- Using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Wearing masks when required or recommended by public health authorities.
These simple actions can significantly reduce the spread of illnesses and contribute to a healthier campus community.
Manage our mental health
As stressors add up and we get less sunlight, mental health can be a concern. There are many U of A mental health supports available to help. Some ideas include:
- Attend a mental health workshop from Counselling and Clinical Services to learn more about a specific issue and gain some strategies to manage it.
- Use the Welltrack app, a free online self-help program for all students who want to learn more about coping with stress, anxiety and depression.
- Reach out if you need immediate help. If there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, call 911. There are many other urgent supports available on and off campus.
Stay home if you're unwell - here's what to do if you're sick
It's a shared responsibility to help prevent the spread of illnesses in our community (and make sure we're recovering) when we're experiencing a period of illness. When you're staying home due to illness or injury, take these steps:
- Review your course outlines.
- Contact your instructors right away to request excused absences (from term work) or your home faculty office to request deferrals (for final exams or assignments).
- Consult the Academic Success Centre regarding accommodations.
- Consult the Office of the Registrar's What To Do When You are Sick (Students) exam-related information.
- Check the University Calendar sections on Examinations and Attendance.
- Take care of yourself, seek medical attention if necessary and recover.
The University of Alberta is committed to the safety, health and well-being of our faculty, staff and students. Every day, we advance this commitment to safety through the Culture of Care.