Significant increase in cases of norovirus, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 within our community

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Norovirus: Sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Some individuals may also experience fever, headache, and body aches.
• Influenza (Flu): Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur, particularly in children.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Common cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. In severe cases, especially among infants and older adults, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
• COVID-19: Symptoms vary but often include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

Self-Care Recommendations:

• Rest: Allow your body ample time to recover by getting sufficient rest.
• Hydration: Maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, especially if experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
• Over-the-Counter Medications: Utilize over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms such as fever, aches, and congestion as needed. Always follow dosing instructions and consult with a healthcare provider if necessary.

Prevention Measures:

• Vaccination: Stay up-to-date with vaccinations for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, as recommended. Vaccination is a key measure in preventing severe illness.
• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
• Masking: Wear a well-fitting mask in crowded or indoor settings to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
• Surface Disinfection: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and mobile devices.
• Stay Home When Sick: If you are experiencing symptoms of any of these viruses, stay home to prevent transmitting the illness to others.

Additional Resources:

For more detailed information on each of these viruses, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention, please refer to the following resources from Mayo Clinic:

• Norovirus:

Norovirus infection - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

• Influenza (Flu):

Influenza (flu) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

• COVID-19:

Treating COVID-19 at home: Care tips for you and others - Mayo Clinic

By adhering to these guidelines and staying informed, we can work together to mitigate the spread of these viruses and protect the health of our community.

As CCSF welcomes students back to the college, we the therapists at Student Health Services would like to acknowledge the difficult sociopolitical times that we have been in and the effects that this can have on our mental health.  

We would like to highlight our updated list of therapists in the community who provide low-cost or free therapy. The programs/agencies in bold do not have waitlists, and many are completely free.  Student Health Services is open Monday and Tuesday, 9:00-4:00 in-person and 4:00-6:00 via Zoom and Wednesday and Thursday 9:00-4:00. Please call 415-239-3110 to make an initial assessment appointment or to get assistance with resources.

In addition, we have connected with the following San Francisco based programs who have offered these resources:

• Immigrants Rising
  They may have more spots to provide services to undocumented students in California through their Mental Health Connector. The students will be matched with a mental health volunteer who has experience working with the immigrant community as soon as today. They also have Wellness Support Groups that will begin on January 20th. Students can fill out their Mental Health Contact Form to receive updates.
• SF LGBT Center
  They have free drop-ins for youth Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm (16-24 years old). This is their step-by-step guide on how to find a therapist with referral links (not just for LGBTQ+ youth)

These are also additional resources for navigating this difficult time:

Mental Health America (MHA) 
Helpful vs Harmful: Ways to Manage Emotions

Vote4MentalHealth 
Practicing Self-Care During Elections Season

Inside Higher Ed 
Student Wellness Tip: Supporting Students in Political Uncertainty

FREE Flu Shots

Free Flu Shots Available for All Students, Credit and Non-Credit!

Flu Shot Walk-In Hours
Days: Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Student Health Center, HC-100, Ocean Campus

No appointment is necessary during walk-in hours.

Can't make it during walk-in hours? Appointments are available outside the walk-in times! Contact the Student Health Center or visit us to schedule your flu shot.

Getting your flu shot is a simple way to protect yourself and those around you this flu season.

Mission Statement

City College of San Francisco Student Health Services promotes student success and the well-being of the whole student: physically, mentally, and socially. Student Health Services strives to provide high-quality, accessible, and culturally responsive health care.

Student health does not provide 24-hour medical or psychological services. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.  If you are experiencing a life-threatening psychological emergency, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.