Health Alerts

The Student Health Center is issuing an alert due to a recent increase in Influenza (flu) cases on campus and in the surrounding community.

What You Need to Know

• Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, headaches, and body aches
• The viruses that cause flu change every year
• Flu can lead to serious complications, especially for certain groups, including those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant people, young children, and older adults (65+)
• Vaccination each year is the best protection from getting sick and reducing the severity of symptoms if you do get the flu
• Vaccination is particularly important to protect students at higher risk for serious illness (e.g., those with asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, or weakened immune systems)
• The Student Health Center offers a free flu vaccine to all registered students

The Symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Headaches
• Body aches

For more Information: 

• County of Los Angeles Public Health Respiratory Illness Surveillance
• Count of Los Angeles Public Health Influenza Information

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an increase in domestic measles cases advisory. Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease where one infected person can infect up to 9 out of 10 susceptible close contacts. In light of the recent increase in cases, the Student Health Center would like to emphasize the following key messages:

• Measles cases are increasing in the U.S., with ongoing outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, and New Jersey, along with continued increased international activity. Most cases are among children and adolescents who were not vaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, resulting in hospitalizations and the first reported measles death in a decade in an unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas. So far this year, eleven measles cases have been confirmed among California residents living outside of Los Angeles County, including at least 1 case that traveled through LAX.
• The MMR vaccine is offered at the Student Health Center free of charge as part of your Thrive Wellness Program. Up-to-date measles vaccines (MMR or MMRV) or evidence of immunity are required by the university to protect the students and the community, especially those who are unable to be vaccinated due to health issues. To prevent measles outbreaks, a vaccination rate of 95% or higher is needed.
• Watch for the signs of measles, especially if you've traveled recently, and contact the Student Health Center or your health care provider immediately if you experience the following: high fever (104) that spikes quickly, febrile rash - a rash that occurs with fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and red watery eyes, especially if you are not immunized. It is important that you immediately isolate, wear a mask, and call the Student Health Center or your healthcare office first - do NOT show up in person before alerting the healthcare office of your symptoms - so you can receive the proper instructions and manage the potential spread of illness.

Read more about measles:
• Who’s at Risk, How it Spreads, and More
• Images 
• California Department of Public Health Website 
• Immunization Recommendation

In our ongoing efforts to support your health and wellbeing during the wildfires, the Student Health Center is highlighting the following resources available to students:

Pepperdine Resources:

• The Student Health and Counseling Centers are open M - F, 8 AM - 5 PM, to address both physical and mental health needs.
• The Timely Care app may be accessed 24/7 for virtual health and counseling appointments.
• The Student Care Team stands ready to assist students with fire-related losses or needs.
• N95 Masks are available for pick up at the HAWC, the Payson Library circulation desk, and the Student Affairs front desk free of charge.
• The University Emergency Information Website is updated regularly to keep students informed with current fire related information.

LA County Resources:

• Fire safety and health resources, including information on the local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers, are available on the Public Health website: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Wildfire/
• Department of Mental Health Wildfire Disaster Mental Health Resources