Information regarding Pertussis (Whooping cough)

  • Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness. Symptoms may appear 5 to 21 days after infection.
  • Whooping cough symptoms may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months. Adults may not “whoop” but instead have coughing fits that may cause gagging or vomiting.
  • Age and underlying medical conditions can increase someone's risk of getting severe whooping cough. It's especially important to prevent the following people from getting sick.
    • Babies younger than 1 year old are at greatest risk for getting whooping cough and having severe complications from it.
    • People with pre-existing health conditions (immunocompromised or moderate to severe asthma) are at high risk for developing a severe infection.
  • Treating whooping cough early with appropriate antibiotics may make the infection less serious.
  • If you've been closely exposed to someone with whooping cough, talk to a healthcare provider about preventive antibiotics. A healthcare provider or health department generally decides who should get preventive antibiotics.
  • If you have symptoms of whooping cough, stay home and seek care with your healthcare provider. Stay home during the 1st 5 days of antibiotic treatment. Once you have been tested, stay home until you get results.  If you do not have a local healthcare provider you can go to an urgent care clinic or UAH Health Services.  Web-book through the Charger Health Portal
  • The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for everyone. Review your vaccination record; if you have not had Tdap in the past 10 years, you may need to be boosted. Tdap boosters can be obtained at your PCP, most pharmacies, and UAH Health Services.

I have COVID, the FLU, RSV or another URI, what do I do?

  • You do not need to report illnesses to the UAH Health Center.
  • If you are sick and need guidance or testing, please make an appointment  to be seen at the clinic or at your personal healthcare providers office.
  • On 3/1/2024 the CDC released the "Respiratory Virus Guidance" update. Per these guidelines you are advised to self-isolate to avoid spread of disease.  You may return to class/work/sports when your symptoms are getting better overall AND you have not had a fever (without using fever-reducing medication) for over 24 hours.
  • It is important to note that the guidance doesn’t end with staying home and away from others when sick. The guidance encourages added precaution over the next five days after time at home, away from others, is over. Since some people remain contagious beyond the “stay-at-home” period, a period of added precaution using prevention strategies, such as taking more steps for wearing a well-fitting mask,  enhancing hygiene practices, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses can lower the chance of spreading respiratory viruses to others.
  • Please refer to CDC website for more information:
    https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html

 

 Clinic FAQs:

Q: What is a nurse practitioner?

A: A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse. NPs are required to complete a rigorous curriculum beyond that of a registered nurse. NPs are required to have a Masters degree. As a result, they are qualified to diagnose medical problems, order treatments, prescribe medications, and make referrals for a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.

Connie Abbott conducts a heath screening with a patient at the UAH clinic

Q: Why don’t I just go to my regular doctor?

A: The Faculty and Staff Clinic (FSC) offers a convenient, affordable approach to basic health care – rather than the long wait and high co-pay you’ll find at most doctor’s offices. But we are not here to replace your regular doctor. We provide preventative care and sick visits that involve a quick diagnosis and treatment.

Q: How much will a visit cost me?

A: Clinic charges vary based on the type of service provided- preventative services (physicals, vaccines) are no-charge with most insurances.  Sick/problem visits are typically a low co-pay, subject to your particular insurance plan/benefits.

Q: How do I pay for a clinic visit?

A: Clinic visit payments can be made through credit card, eCheck, or payroll deduction for active employees. Retirees may pay by credit card or eCheck.

Q: What if I need an X-ray?

A: The FSC can provide you with an order for services such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, mammograms, etc. Those will then be billed by the facility to your insurance provider when you receive the service.

Q: How do I get my results?

A: Results are sent to the FSC and we will review and notify you via the Chargers Health Portal or phone call.

Q: What if I have a worker’s comp claim?

A: "On-the-job-Injuries" (OJIs) are filed through UAH’s Office of Risk Management and not through the FSC.  FSC can see minor work-related injuries if approved by Risk Management. 

Q: Is my information private? Will my supervisor know if I visit the clinic?

A: The FSC is bound to the same privacy laws as your regular provider. All records are confidential. No one can see your chart without your permission.

TIP: If you have an order from your doctor for lab work, you can save time by getting it done at the FSC rather than going to a lab!