HEALTH SERVICES The 'SERVICES' in Health Services Absence Excuse Policy
Health Services at the University of Akron will not provide absence notes to students. We suggest that students contact their professors directly and communicate reasons for missing class. Missed classes, lectures, quizzes, or tests are an academic matter and are not the responsibility of the Health Services staff. Students need to communicate with their professors and ask them to contact Health Services if they have questions or concerns. Allergy Information
Allergy injections can be given by our nursing staff if you provide us with appropriate forms and orders from a licensed physician. Please contact Health Services for special scheduled hours and cost. Confidentiality
Your Health Services records are kept strictly confidential and cannot be released without your written consent. Only certain communicable diseases must be reported to the Department of Health. If you are 18 or older, please inform your parents or legal guardians that we cannot release any confidential medical information to them without your written consent. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need an antibiotic?
Millions of adults take antibiotics unnecessarily, causing many strains of bacteria to become resistant or immune to the drugs that were once effective against them. Resistant bacteria, or "superbugs" make it more difficult to treat infections. Best solution: Decide WITH your doctor when antibiotics should be used.
Do I have a cold or the flu?
A cold simply has to run its course. An antibiotic is not going to make it better. An antibiotic could actually do more harm than good. A cold lasts between 5 and 14 days. Symptoms include sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, headache, cough, and post nasal drip.
The flu requires plenty of rest. Contact your doctor or nurse practitioner to discuss options for medication to help relieve your symptoms. Flu symptoms are similar to those of a cold, but more severe, including chills, aches, fever (up to 103) and pain. Symptoms subside rapidly after 2-3 days.
Always drink plenty of fluid, especially warm fluids. Like .... chicken soup! And remember to wash your hands regularly to reduce your chance of getting or spreading cold and flu. Health Education and Wellness
The health education specialist provides individual consultation as well as class presentations on topics that include nutrition, sexual health, stress management, alcohol and other drug use, smoking cessation, and relationship violence. Health Insurance for Students
Student health insurance is available for registered students. You can find more information and apply on-line at the Leonard Insurance website. Students are responsible for completing forms for insurance reimbursement. HIV Testing
HIV Testing is available to all students of the University of Akron twice a semester. Anonymous or Confidential testing is available.
Testing is fast and easy. If you are sexually active and not using protection consistently, or if you are sharing needles, please take this opportunity to be tested.
The OraSure test is a no-blood, no-needle test that only takes a few minutes. A trained professional places an OraSure pad between the cheek and gum of the person being tested. When the pad is moist (about 3-5 minutes), it is removed and sent to a state laboratory for testing.
A return visit is scheduled for test results and counseling. Like the blood test, OraSure checks for HIV antibodies, not the virus. The test is more than 99 percent accurate.
Contact Health Services for the testing location. Immunizations Recommendations/Travel Information
College students are strongly encouraged to update all immunizations and pay particular attention to immunizations for tetanus, rubella and rubeola. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that students entering college be up-to-date with the following vaccinations: Hepatitis B, Menomune (Meningitis), MMR x2, and Td (if over 10 years).
Health Services offers health information for students who study, work and travel abroad. A nurse will be able to assist you with updated health advisories and immunization requirements. Medical History Forms
Prior to receiving medical care at Health Services, you will be asked to complete a medical history form. It is essential that we know your medical history, including allergies, in order to provide you with timely, quality medical care. A Word to Parents
Beginning college often means a transition to a new environment for your student. Sometimes items often taken for granted in the home are overlooked when packing for college. We encourage your student to bring reasonable first aid supplies such as thermometers, over the counter medications, and bandages from home or purchase them after their arrival. This will prepare your student for minor accidents or late-night fevers. Psychological Services
Health Services works closely with the Counseling, Testing and Career Center (CTCC), which offers psychological and group counseling free of charge to students experiencing social or emotional problems. The CCTC is located in Simmons Hall Room 306. The Center's staff is trained to deal with issues such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship difficulties, and sexual concerns. Sexual Assault
The University of Akron Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Services Team
As a member of The University of Akron Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Services Team, Health Services provides confidential direct assistance to survivors of sexual assault in the following areas:
TB Skin Test
Tuberculosis (TB) is an old disease that is making a comeback in recent years. It is an air borne infection spread by a cough, sneeze, or simply breathing the air of an infected individual. In most cases, it can be treated easily. Left untreated, TB can be a dibilitating and sometimes fatal disease. Skin testing is an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of TB.
Individuals at risk include the following: healthcare workers, educators, food handlers, and those that travel outside of the United States, especially those traveling to and from sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America.
Health Services provides a tuberculin skin test for a nominal fee. For more information contact us or visit the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) web site for more comprehensive information. Women's Health
Women's wellness examinations including PAP smears, contraception counseling, and information about sexually transmitted diseases or preventive health care and education can be obtained through confidential appointments by contacting Health Services. Return to the top of this page |
