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Health & Wellness

Current Health Advisories

COVID-19

Health Information

MPox

Monkeypox (Clade I & Clade II) can be acquired by anyone and certain populations may be at risk for increased disease severity and adverse health outcomes associated with monkeypox infection.

Monkeypox is related to the smallpox virus; however, the symptoms are milder. Symptoms include: fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, rash that can look like pimples or blisters.

The monkeypox rash can appear anywhere on the body. The rash will blister, scab, and fall off over 2-4 weeks. The person is contagious until the rash has fully healed. Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Monkeypox is spread through:

  • Touch
    • touching a rash, scabs, or body fluids of someone who has monkeypox
    • touching objects, fabrics (such as clothing) that previously touched the rash or body fluids of someone with monkeypox
  • Respiratory Drops
    • during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, massage, sex
  • Being Scratched or Bitten by an Infected Animal

Vaccination

  • To learn about vaccination sites in Massachusetts, visit  Monkeypox vaccination | Mass.gov  IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Getting vaccinated will lesson your symptoms. If you have symptoms, please do not come to campus! Isolate at home until you can be tested.
    Call a healthcare provider immediately about getting tested, especially if you have had contact with someone who is already positive for monkeypox and also contact QCC Healthcare Consultant Heather Lukas at hlukas [at] qcc.mass.edu or 774.502.5765. If you suspect you might have monkeypox isolate at home until you can be tested If you must go out, wear a medial grade mask (three-ply surgical mask, KN95 or N95).
  • Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.

Prevention

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom. Avoid close, skin to skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.

Documents

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

A virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract.

Symptoms

Symptoms in adults are usually mild and can include:

  • Cough
  • Congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Fever
  • Sneezing
  • Headache
  • Sore throat

Symptoms usually appear 4 – 6 days after exposure.

Treatment

Treatment for RSV is management and relief of symptoms.

Over the counter medications for pain and fever reduction
Plenty of fluids
Rest

Most RSV infections clear up within 1 to 2 weeks.

Transmission

Infected persons are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days, and may be contagious 1 to 2 days prior to the manifestation of symptoms.  RSV is spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth.  Transmission can also occur after touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face before washing your hands.  This is why good hand hygiene in important in stopping the spread of the virus.

Risk Factors

Most cases of RSV in adults are mild, but there are certain factors that can contribute to a more severe infection.

  • Heart or lung disease
  • 65 years or older
  • Compromised immune system

More Information

Influenza

Influenza (Flu)

The Seasonal Flu vaccine is more Important Than Ever. Please Get Immunized! Preventing the flu will save lives!  

Flu Resources

HealthMap Vaccine Finder - A free, online service where users can search for locations that offer immunizations. 

Visit CDC’s website to find out what to do if you get sick with the flu and how to care for someone at home who is sick with the flu. www.cdc.gov

Opiate Overdose

The City of Worcester Division of Public Health is concerned about an increase in deaths related to opiate overdoses in recent days. Preliminary testing indicates that contaminated heroin may be available on the streets. If you witness a suspected drug overdose please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Resources

First Aid Resources

First Aid Manual

National Resources

If you are struggling and want to speak to someone immediately:

  • Crisis Text Line: Text “GO” to 741741 (trained crisis counselors about anything that’s on your mind; free, 24/7, confidential)
  • Disaster Distress Helpline: 1.800.985.5990 LGBTQ Hotline: 1.888.843.4564
  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.7233
  • Sexual Assault Hotline: 1.800.656.4673
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK (8255) 
  • Trevor Project LGBTQ Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1.866.488.7386
  • National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1.888.373.7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)
  • Identify a Victim

Disclaimer: This website is not intended as a substitute for proper medical care, only a supplement to it. If you believe you have a medical problem, please contact your family doctor or physician.

External Clinics

Disclaimer: QCC is not responsible for information from an external resource. Always call first before visiting one of these locations.

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