Student Health Center
The Student Health Center is dedicated to serving the unique healthcare needs of UWL & Western students.
We are still open for our full array of services including primary care, same day care, mental health, and physical therapy. Some of these services are also being offered virtually!!!!
Make an appointment - call 608.785.8558.
Please inform the scheduler if you have fevers, cough, difficulty breathing, or other COVID 19 symptoms OR have tested positive for COVID 19 in the last 10 days
** Masks required please**
COVID 19 Testing Options:
On Campus
Cartwright Center
The BinaxNOW Testing Program will offer tests to anyone age five or older — even those with no symptoms. Registration is required. Some participants are advised to take a confirmatory PCR test.
NEW it is requested you stay onsite until you've confirmed your results. You will need to log onto your profile to view the results. The initial BinaxNOW antigen test usually has a turnaround of about 15-30mins.
If you have symptoms you must isolate until a negative PCR result is available. PCR turnaround time is expected to be 2-3 days
Planned Testing Hours:
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
Register for a test (This is a NEW link):
https://www.wihealthconnect.com/
Log on to your profile for test results: portal.uwlax.vivi.healthcare
Parking
Parking is available on the streets around campus. Take note that some streets have parking time limits while others are pay-to-park through the city of La Crosse.
*When testing at our local health systems, be sure to CALL FIRST.
Gundersen Nurse Line: 608-775-4454
Mayo Nurse Line: 507-293-9525
Free Community National Guard Testing sites- https://www.lacrossecounty.org/covid19/testing-information
For the most up to date information about Coronavirus, please visit UWL's COVID-19 page.
We're here for your health
Hot topics
5 Ways to Avoid Colds and the Flu
You don't want to spend this winter battling a runny nose, a nagging cough, or a fever. But colds and flu come with the season, right?
They don't have to. Try this advice from the CDC.
Get a flu shot
The best time to get the flu vaccine is when it becomes available in your community, but getting the vaccine later is better than not getting it at all. The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for everyone age 6 months and older. Two things to remember: Flu shots don't cause the flu, and getting a flu shot won't protect you against the common cold.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands often. The viruses that cause colds and seasonal flu are spread by droplets, usually when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus is airborne and enters your body through your nose or mouth, or from your hands after you have touched an object contaminated with the virus. For instance, if you share a phone or a computer keyboard, or touch public door handles, and put your hands near your face, the virus could enter your mouth or nose. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water is best for cleaning cold viruses off your hands. If you don't have access to soap and water, carry an alcohol-based hand cleaner with you.
Use tissues, then toss them
Don't stuff used tissues back in your pocket. Throw them away.
Avoid contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home if you are sick to prevent spreading your illness. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve.
Practice good health habits
The CDC recommends that you follow general recommendations to stay healthy. These suggestions include: get plenty of sleep; be physically active; manage your stress; drink plenty of fluids; and eat nutritious food.
Influenza vaccine is available at the Student Health Center for $20 (charged to your student account). Call 785-8558 to make an appointment to get your Influenza vaccine!
More information about Influenza and prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/influenza/prevention.htm
https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/facts-about-influenza-for-adults/
A UWL student was recently diagnosed with Meningitis B, received treatment at a medical center, and has recovered. This was an isolated incident. Close contacts of the student have already been identified and treated with antibiotics and vaccination as needed. The La Crosse County Health Department has found no additional cases of suspected Meningitis B.
Meningococcal disease is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria and can cause a blood infection or meningitis (a swelling of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord). These illnesses are severe and can be deadly. College students are at increased risk for meningitis given close living quarters. Outbreaks of Meningitis B have been seen at other universities.
Meningitis Risk Factors
- Meningitis is spread by contact with saliva. It is not spread through the air or by casual contact
- You can help prevent infection by not kissing, sharing drinks, utensils, plates or cigarettes/vapes
- Weak immune system
Meningitis Symptoms
- High fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
- Purple or pinpoint rash
We recommend immediate evaluation in a health care facility for these or other concerning symptoms.
We encourage prevention, which includes vaccines for Meningitis.
Meningitis prevention requires 2 separate vaccines
1. Meningitis A,C,Y,W (Menactra, Menveo, Menomune)
- Vaccination starts at age 11 with a booster dose after age 16
- If the first dose is given after age 16, then only 1 dose is needed
2. Meningitis B (Bexsero or Trumenba)
- Recommended between ages 16-23 years
- 2 vaccines doses are needed with either Bexsero or Trumenba (a 3rd dose is needed for patients at increased risk for meningococcal disease)
- The vaccines are not interchangeable
Both types of Meningitis vaccine are available at the Student Health Center, with your primary care provider, or at local pharmacies.
- Cost at the Student Health Center: Menveo (ACYW) $105 Trumenba (B) $120 Bexsero (B) $145
- If you receive the vaccines through your primary care provider or the pharmacy, then this cost can potentially be billed through your health insurance
- If you have concerns regarding cost or which vaccines you need, please call the Student Health Center (608) 785-8558
For detailed information and further recommendations on Meningitis please visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/index.html
Students should contact the Student Health Center directly with any questions or to make an appointment to review your vaccination status at (608) 785-8558.
Information about Sexually Transmitted Infections
Did you know?--> In La Crosse County, Chlamydia rates continue to be high every year. Gonorrhea and Syphillis rates have risen dramatically over the last two years. Here are links to information about STI's and prevention:
- Statistics about STI's
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphillis
- HIV
- Herpes
- HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
- HIV and pre-exposure prophylaxis-- am I a candidate?
More information: