The change in season and new living conditions can bring an increase in the number of individuals getting sick and flu season is right around the corner. The Student Health Center staff wants to share some reminders about scheduling appointments at the center and tips to avoid or treat the flu or flu-like symptoms.
Booking a Same-Day Appointment
If you need to schedule a same-day appointment at the Student Health Center, call the triage nurse at 865-974-5080.
A limited number of same-day evaluation times are available each day at the Student Health Center. Sixty percent of all daily appointments are available for same-day scheduling. These same-day appointments may only be scheduled by calling the triage nurse.
Two full-time registered nurses serve as the center’s triage nurses and provide direct contact with patients who are seeking medical advice or a same-day appointment at the Student Health Center. These appointments are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Call the triage nurse early to secure a same-day appointment. If the Acute Care Clinic is full and no other appointments are available at the Student Health Center for same-day care, the center’s staff will assist you in obtaining a subsequent appointment or direct you to other local health-care resources if needed.
Drop-in patients are not guaranteed a same-day appointment with a provider, but the drop-in triage nurse will work with you to coordinate the best option for your care. If you arrive early, you are more likely to secure a same-day appointment.
Booking a Later Appointment
The appointment desk and Student Health Portal should be used to book appointments for a later date. You can speak with an appointment clerk to book a later appointment at 865-974-3648. The portal allows you to directly schedule nonemergent advanced appointments online.
The portal should not be used for students who feel they need more immediate care.
Tips for Avoiding and Treating the Flu
The Student Health Center recommends that all students respond quickly to flu-like symptoms. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, headache, and sore throat. With cases increasing during the winter months, the Student Health Center encourages everyone to take the following actions to minimize the risk of getting the flu.
- Receive your annual flu vaccine
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Wash your hands before eating
- Do not share your food, drink, or utensils with others
- Avoid close contact with sick people
Have you caught the flu?
Here are some treatment measures you can take:
- The Student Health Center encourages the use of acetaminophen for a fever*
- Use a cool-mist humidifier to increase air moisture for a cough
- Gargle with warm or cold double-strength tea or saltwater or use over-the-counter throat lozenges for a sore throat
- Use salt-water drops or over-the-counter nasal sprays or oral decongestants for a runny nose or congestion
- Use warm compresses for muscle aches
- Stay home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours
- Get plenty of rest, which helps your body fight the virus
- If you have a diminished appetite, you may prefer liquids at first
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day
*Double-check your medicine labels. Do not double up on acetaminophen. Taking more than directed is an overdose and can lead to liver damage.
About the Student Health Center
The Student Health Center provides nonemergent, outpatient medical care by appointment for all currently enrolled, eligible students who have paid the health fee portion of the student programs and services fee.
The Student Health Center clinics are divided into primary clinical service areas and specialty service areas. You may see a full listing of the clinics, services, and important patient health and scheduling information on the Student Health Center website.