USU Doc Offers Health Advice for Incoming Students

Still aglow from graduation ceremonies, many college-bound high school grads are excitedly shopping for dorm-room essentials, collegiate attire and the latest techno gadgets. But an important step in the college preparation process is protecting one’s health, says Utah State University physician Jim Davis.

Before setting foot on campus students should check with their personal physicians to ensure their immunizations are up-to-date, says Davis, director of the university’s Student Health and Wellness Center. Among the vaccines that may be needed are measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); varicella “chickenpox”; hepatitis B, and the new Tdap – tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis – combo.

 

Davis says recent outbreaks of pertussis or “whooping cough” have prompted the national Centers for Disease Control to recommend a booster against the disease along with those for diphtheria and tetanus. While teens are not a high-risk group for the highly contagious respiratory infection, pertussis can cause school absence and is particularly dangerous for infants.

 

“Although many of our students received the pertussis vaccine as children, its protection wanes over time,” says Davis. “New guidelines recommend the booster for young adults, especially those in contact with young children.”

 

In addition, Davis recommends that students receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), licensed last year, which provides increased protection from some forms of bacterial meningitis.

 

“Both the CDC and the American College Health Association have issued statements recommending this vaccine for college freshmen who will be living in campus housing,” says Davis. “The most recent vaccine provides broader and longer protection than the previously available inoculation.”

 

Davis notes that several cases of bacterial meningitis have been reported in Utah during the past several years, but cautions that the vaccine does not provide complete immunity from the disease and it is relatively expensive.

 

As important as inoculations, says Davis, is anticipating the challenges of living on one’s own.

 

“Entering college is often a young person’s first experience living away from home,” he says. “While students enjoy new freedom, they may feel overwhelmed by structuring their own time and making their own decisions.”

 

He recommends that parents talk with their youngsters about time management, healthy habits and where to seek help and advice on campus, including the health center, counseling center or from a residence or academic advisor.

 

“When I first mention campus health concerns, people tend to think of life-threatening illness or injury,” says Davis. “But the top ten wellness issues we encounter with students, which can significantly impede academic performance, are stress, upper respiratory infections, sleep difficulties, concerns about family and friends, relationship difficulties, depression and anxiety, Internet use and computer games, sinus infections, death of a family member or friend and alcohol use.”

 

Davis also advises parents to teach their child how to access and use health insurance.

 

“Health insurance is not required to use Utah State’s Student Health and Wellness Center, but we recommend that every student have it,” he says.

 

Finally, Davis urges students to take responsible precautions when pursuing new activities.

 

“College students tend to be risk-takers and frequently undertake new recreational activities,” he says. “That’s fine, but young people often think they’re invincible and, with limited disposable income, skimp on proper training and safety equipment.”

 

Use caution with used or borrowed rock climbing and ski gear, says Davis, and ensure that all equipment is in reliable working order. Good helmets are a must for biking, skiing, snowboarding and climbing.

 

“High-risk activities are no time to take safety shortcuts,” he said. “I tell my patients, ‘Either wear a helmet or make sure your donor card is filled out – I want your kidneys.’”