How does it spread? 

Acute gastroenteritis, also referred to as stomach flu, often spreads when particles from an infected person travel through one of the following routes: 

1. Touching contaminated surfaces or objects, then touching your mouth or eating without washing your hands. 
2. Having direct contact with someone who is sick, like taking care of them or sharing food/utensils. 
3. Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated by an infected person. 
4. Eating raw oysters or other raw shellfish. 

Symptoms typically develop within 12 to 48 hours after exposure.  

What should I do if I’m experiencing vomiting or diarrhea? 

• Stay home when you’re sick and for an additional 48 hours after your symptoms stop.
• Do not prepare food and drinks for others during this period.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds, including after using the bathroom and before eating, preparing, or handling food.
  • Waterless, alcohol-based hand sanitizer should not be used as a substitute for frequent handwashing, as they do not work well against the viruses that most commonly cause acute gastroenteritis.
• Drink plenty of fluids and rest.
• Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes or spray.
• Wash your laundry in hot water. 

The illness typically lasts 1-3 days, and most people recover completely without needing any treatment. Drink plenty of fluids and watch for signs of dehydration like lightheadedness, dizziness, decreased frequency of urination, dark urine color, dry mouth, and fainting.  

If you are experiencing symptoms of dehydration, call University Health Services at 608-265-5600. Some people are at higher risk of getting severely dehydrated, including those who are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or are experiencing severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea, severe nausea and vomiting, or a high fever. 

How do I prevent the spread of acute gastroenteritis? 

Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, keep clean to prevent the spread of illness. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom and before handling food. Wipe down high-contact surfaces (door handles, counter tops, cell phones) with disinfectant wipes or spray. 

Barbershop Talks | November 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Nicholas Recreation Center, Elevation Room 

Students can get a free haircut and connect with a barber about their mental wellbeing in an informal and supportive space.  

Registration is highly encouraged, and appointments will be available both days from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are permitted; however, space is limited. Five barbers, who hold different, intersecting identities, will lead informal conversations about mental health topics.  

Mental Health Services providers will be on site to share resources and information with students about how they can access mental health care and support their wellbeing. 

Thrive Workshop: Men’s Mental Health Panel | November 12 from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Virtual, Sign up here 

Join in on the conversation for a panel discussion about the difficulties male identified individuals may encounter when talking about feelings and experiences. Learn to expand vocabulary for mental health concerns, increase awareness of signs of distress, consider relevant interpersonal dynamics, and explore the potential benefits of seeking support. Five men, who hold different intersecting identities will lead the conversation about what it means to be in their career while supporting their mental wellbeing.  

Interested in connecting with us more?  

There are so many ways to take care of your mental health. You can find connections across campus that support your individual wellbeing. Learn more about UHS resources for student mental health and medical support, as well as health promotion initiatives. Additional information about student wellbeing resources can be found on the Be Well page of the Student Affairs website. 

Sociopolitical stress involves the emotional impact of political events and movements, distinct from other stress types, yet often interconnected. Over the past decade, research has intensified to explore the unique characteristics of political anxiety, including its overlap with generalized anxiety and its key differences. Research shows that the majority of U.S. adults, regardless of political party affiliation, experience stress associated with the election (APA, 2020 ). You might find yourself feeling sociopolitical stress during election cycles, particularly as your exposure to news and media coverage intensifies.

What does sociopolitical stress feel like?

Sleep Disruption: Many report that politics affects sleep and social relationships, leading to excessive social media engagement.

Divided Attention: Multitasking leads to “continuous partial attention,” reducing productivity.

Anxiety: Negative news coverage can create feelings of powerlessness, affecting overall wellbeing.

Anger: Current news often features intense language, contributing to heightened emotions and escalating social media conflicts.

UHS Mental Health Services to help navigate sociopolitical stress

Crafting Community | November 12 from 12 pm – 4 pm at the Office of Inclusion Education, 214 Red Gym

Join the Office of Inclusion Education and UHS Mental Health Services for a space to engage with community members with crafts and activities to enjoy. This event will feature snacks, vision boarding, and optional Let’s Talk consultations.

Let’s Talk | View our fall schedule

No-cost, informal, and confidential consultations available on campus and online. Sessions last 20-25 minutes and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Let’s Talk is available virtually and in person every day of the week.

Single Session Counseling

Single sessions can be a great option for students with a time-limited concern who want support processing or problem solving, or for someone unfamiliar with counseling who wants to experience it before considering ongoing counseling. Students must schedule an Access Appointment prior to scheduling a single session.

Badger Support Network (BSN)

The Badger Support Network provides peer-facilitated groups and community building events. Peer groups are designed to provide an accessible, inclusive, and confidential environment where students are encouraged to openly share their thoughts and experiences. Stay up to date on the latest happenings by following BSN on Instagram!

Connecting Badgers Podcast

Connecting Badgers provides students with tips to promote their mental health in order to strengthen wellbeing and success. The podcast helps listeners improve their mental health literacy so they can recognize, manage, and prevent mental health concerns. Listen to the latest episode about election stress!

Your mental wellbeing matters as much as your vote. If you’re looking for more voting resources, visit vote.wisc.edu.

]]> https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/online-violence-prevention-education-now-expected-annually-for-undergraduate-students/ Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:06:18 +0000 https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/?p=16356 Education is a key part of violence prevention efforts on campus. University Health Services offers several violence prevention education courses for both undergraduate and graduate students. These courses aim to increase the campus community’s knowledge, shape attitudes, and build skills to prevent sexual violence before it occurs.  

One of these courses is GetWIse@Home, an online course developed by UHS Violence Prevention experts that helps undergraduate students explore violence prevention and survivor support topics. GetWIse has been required for incoming first-year and new transfer students since 2016 and was introduced as an offering for all undergraduate students in 2023. All degree-seeking undergraduate students are encouraged to complete an online GetWIse prevention education course eaach year.  

GetWIse offers four programs to choose from, including DatingWIse (healthy relationships and dating violence), SexWIse (healthy sex and sexual violence), ListenWIse (trauma and survivor support), and ActWIse (recognizing violence and bystander intervention).  

For fall 2024, new first-year and transfer students must complete one GetWIse program of their choice by December 1.

Violence prevention as a shared responsibility 

In deciding to make GetWIse part of undergraduate students’ annual expected education, UHS conducted a review of campus data, peer universities’ prevention education policies, CDC recommendations, a comprehensive external audit, and student feedback.  

Studies show that repeated education opportunities increase the effectiveness of violence prevention education. Violence prevention is not just a concern for first-year students; during their time in college, most students will know someone who has experienced sexual assault or dating violence. About 1 in 10 students at UW-Madison experiences some form of dating violence while in college, and around 1 in 6 experiences sexual assault. GetWIse provides strategies for students to support a safer campus community by normalizing consent and bystander intervention and calling out entitlement, objectification, and boundary-crossing behavior. 

“Although first-year students are at a higher risk for experiencing sexual assault, older students have more social influence on social norms,” says Sam Bowen, Assistant Director of Violence Prevention. “Encouraging students to complete GetWIse annually makes sure that violence prevention is the responsibility of the whole campus community, not just our newest students.” 

Learn more about GetWIse and the four programs on the UHS website. Students can access GetWIse on Canvas.  

Strength for Survivors: Wednesday, October 9 from 5:30 – 7 PM at the Red Gym, On Wisconsin Room

Join UHS Survivor Services and Rec Well for a transformative trauma embodiment workshop centered on strength training. This event is designed for student survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence and their allies. Led by Rec Well personal trainers, the workshop will guide participants through strength training exercises that emphasize personal choice and empowerment. Survivor Services staff will also lead discussions on setting intentions for movement practices, breathwork, and exploring how trauma impacts the body. This event will be co-hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center.

Rewriting the Love Languages: Tuesday, October 22 from 4 – 6 PM at the University Club

Join Annie Bruns and Gaonue Vang from UHS Survivor Services to reimagine the concept of “love languages.” Facilitators will support a group discussing using 18 Languages for Modern Love, developed by certified sex educator Anne Hodder-Shipp, as a central theme. The group will explore why expanding love languages is necessary and how we might use these in all of our close relationships (not just romantic ones). This event will be co-hosted with Fraternity & Sorority Life and PAVE

Drop-In Virtual Support for Survivors: Each Monday from 1 – 2:30 PM virtually. Sign up online

This is a drop-in space for student survivors to connect with peers and offer mutual support in a confidential and safe environment. The group facilitators, Kayla Eggen and Kendall Ferguson are mental health professionals who foster an open space, affirming, and connecting for all members. The group will focus on the impact of having experienced trauma and skills/supports to support post-traumatic growth, with some boundaries placed around sharing narratives about traumatic experiences. This group is specifically designed for UW-Madison students who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and/or childhood sexual abuse.

Drop-In Crafty Coping Community for Survivors: Each Wednesday from 2:30 – 4:00 PM at 333 East Campus Mall, Room 7001

This is a drop-in space for student survivors to connect with peers and offer mutual support in a confidential and safe environment. The group facilitators, UHS providers Alex Little, will foster an open and affirming space for all members while guiding members through sensory- and movement-based coping skills. The community will focus on navigating the impact of trauma experiences through connection and skills to support post-traumatic growth. It is specifically for students who experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and/or childhood sexual abuse. Sign up online for this in-person community. Registration is not required but will provide a reminder email.

Expanding Campus Violence Prevention Efforts through GetWIse

Education plays a crucial role in preventing violence on campus. UHS offers violence prevention programs to help students understand, address, and avoid violence. All new undergraduate and graduate students are required to participate in these programs to learn how to make healthy decisions, handle tough situations, and access support resources.

The GetWIse@Home program, mandatory for first year and transfer students, covers topics related to violence prevention and support for survivors. This program is also available annually to all undergraduates as a refresher to reinforce their knowledge and skills.

“These topics are not only a concern for first-year students,” says Sam Bowen, assistant director of violence prevention. “In fact, the risk of experiencing some form of sexual or relationship violence increases the longer a student has been on campus. Repeated opportunities for education on violence prevention will increase the effectiveness of our violence prevention strategy.”

Most students will encounter someone affected by sexual assault or dating violence during their college years. At UW-Madison, about 1 in 10 students face dating violence, and 1 in 6 experience sexual assault. GetWIse@Home aims to promote a safer campus by teaching about consent, bystander intervention, and recognizing harmful behaviors.

The program includes four modules: DatingWIse (healthy relationships), SexWIse (healthy sex), ListenWIse (support for survivors), and ActWIse (bystander intervention). Students taking GetWIse as a refresher can choose to redo a previous module or explore a new one.

Learn more about GetWIse@Home and the four modules on the UHS website. Students can access the modules through the GetWIse@Home page on Canvas.

Year-Round Survivor Support and Resources through UHS

UHS supports student survivors through coordinated advocacy, mental health, and medical services—including forensic nurse exams on-site—that are no-cost and confidential. Our survivor services team will validate your experience and care, while also sharing information and resources you might need, like referrals, accommodations, and reporting options.

Students can schedule an appointment to talk with an advocate and learn about their options by emailing survivorservices@uhs.wisc.edu, calling 608-265-5600 (option 3), or self-scheduling via the MyUHS portal.

Learn more about UHS Survivor Services on our website.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is very contagious. 

Whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory illness that spreads from person to person and is known for causing uncontrollable, violent coughing, which can make it hard to breathe. It spreads when people cough or sneeze near others, who then proceed to breathe in the pertussis bacteria. Symptoms can appear between seven and 20 days after exposure. They include:  

• Runny or stuffed-up nose  
• Fever  
• Persistent cough and violent coughing fits 

For most people, the illness is disruptive and uncomfortable, but not life-threatening. If you are experiencing symptoms of whooping cough, you should call UHS at 608-265-5600 to speak with a nurse. Urgent medical advice is also available after hours and on the weekends by calling 608-265-5600 (option 1). 

If you experience a minor cough that does not interfere with sleeping or activities, you likely have a viral upper respiratory infection and not pertussis.   

Vaccines help keep you safe from getting severely sick from whooping cough. 

Getting the recommended vaccines lessen your chances of ever getting sick with whooping cough. If you do get sick, your illness won’t be as severe as if you were unvaccinated. Whooping cough vaccines are recommended for children, teens, and adults, including college students.  

There are two types of vaccines that protect against whooping cough, and which ones you receive depends on age: 

• Children younger than 7 years old get the diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine. 

• Teens and adults get the tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. This is usually recommended around age 11 or 12. 

Check your vaccination record to see if you received the above vaccinations. Students who are unvaccinated can call UHS at 608-265-5600 to schedule an appointment to receive the Tdap vaccine. Even if you have the pertussis vaccination, if you experience symptoms, you should contact UHS. 

Help us prevent the spread of whooping cough. 

Practice good hygiene. Stay at home and away from others if you are sick. When coughing, cover your mouth with a tissue or cough into your sleeve. Wash your hands often.  

Remember, UHS is here to support your health all semester long. We continue to monitor infectious disease trends as we head into respiratory virus season and encourage everyone to stay up-to-date on their vaccines, including COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, which are now available at campus-wide clinics.  

Taking action to support mental health and prevent suicide can look different for everyone. Whether you are looking to grow your knowledge, connect to resources, or get involved in mental health work on campus, you can make a difference. Throughout September, UHS encourages you to reflect on the ways you can support mental health this month and every month.  

Here are three simple actions you can take during Suicide Prevention Month:  

1. Build your knowledge and skills to prevent suicide at UW-Madison.

UHS offers Suicide Prevention Training: Recognize Respond, Refer for undergraduate and graduate/professional students, as well as faculty and staff, online through Canvas.  

This training helps participants build their capacity to recognize warning signs for suicide, respond in a compassionate and helpful way, and refer someone to resources on and off campus. The training takes one hour, and participants can start, stop, and revisit the training as many times as they want.  

2. Explore mental health care options available through UHS.  

No-cost, confidential mental health services are available to UW-Madison students through UHS. Individual counseling, group counseling, and psychiatry services are available by appointment.  An Access Appointment is the first step in getting care—an access specialist will work with you to better understand your needs and help connect you with mental health care providers on or off campus. Same- and next-day virtual counseling appointments are also available through Uwill. 

Some UHS mental health services are available without an appointment, including Let’s Talk drop-in sessions and online peer support through Togetherall. 

3. Get involved.

There are many ways to get involved and connect with other students, staff and faculty working to prevent suicide and promote mental health on campus, including joining a mental health student organization, working in mental health promotion, or volunteering at a local or national organization.  

See the Suicide Prevention Student Involvement Opportunities webpage to learn more.  

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources 

Crisis support is also available 24/7 by phone and text. Add these important numbers to your phone contacts so you have them if you need them:  

• University Health Services has a mental health crisis line that is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 608-265-5600 (option 9). 

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides nationwide, 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, support and resources for people supporting a loved one in crisis. Call or text 988. 

• Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 text support from trained volunteer crisis counselors. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor. 

You can also carry support with you with the BadgerSAFE app. From the app’s home page, click on the “Support Resources” tile to connect to mental health and other campus resources. 

If you’re thinking about suicide, or if you’re concerned for the wellbeing of someone you know, call the 24/7 UHS Crisis Line at 608-265-5600 (option 9), or call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. 

To use UHS services during the summer (if you are not enrolled in summer courses), you must purchase the summer health fee for $133 which provides access to all UHS services from May 20 to August 31, 2024.

SHIP members are eligible to use UHS through their coverage end-date regardless of their health fee status.

The Summer Health Fee Financial Support Program provides funding for qualified students to receive care at UHS throughout the summer. Qualification for the program aligns with criteria established by the Office of Financial Aid, which includes Badger Promise, Bucky’s Tuition, and Banner programs, as well as Pell grant recipients. If you believe you may qualify for financial assistance, submit the UHS Summer Health Fee Financial Support Program application in the MyUHS portal under ‘Surveys/Questionnaires.”

The Office of Student Assistance and Support provides short term loans may be sought by students when an unexpected life event or circumstance takes place that causes financial hardship. Emergency support is also available for immediate and essential expenses

If you have questions about the summer health fee, send an email to uhs@uhs.wisc.edu or call the Budget & Finance office at 608-516-6791 or 608-516-6830.

Togetherall expands the mental health resources available for UW-Madison students beyond the clinical services at UHS Mental Health Services, and those offered through UHS’s Uwill partnership, by creating an online space for peer-to-peer support. At UW-Madison, the 2022 Healthy Minds Survey found that 46 percent of students report receiving mental or emotional health support from their friends. Interacting with peers is an effective strategy for supporting mental health. While Rec Well’s peer wellness coaching provides individual and group space for peer-to-peer conversations about wellbeing on campus, Togetherall expands that concept with a fully online, anonymous space connecting students across the U.S. 

Funding for Togetherall was made possible by the Charles E. Kubly Foundation and the UHS Suicide Prevention Fund. University Health Services and Recreation & Wellbeing remain committed to expanding mental health resources for all UW-Madison students. There is no wrong entry point for students to begin their mental health journey. Togetherall is yet another resource students can use to find meaning and connection across campus that supports their individual wellbeing. 

Why is measles a concern? 

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. In fact, it’s so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. On a large college campus like UW-Madison, where people live and go to class in close proximity to one another, measles could spread quickly among people who do not have the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. 

Unfortunately, due to a decline in vaccination rates, measles has become more common in the United States in recent years despite previously being documented as eliminated from the U.S. in 2000. Measles is also still common in many parts of the world. 

What are the symptoms of measles? 

The first symptoms of measles appear 7-14 days after infection. They include: 

• High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit) 
• Cough 
• Runny nose 
• Red, watery eyes 

From there, tiny white spots (called Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth. Then, a rash breaks out on the face at the hairline and spreads downward on the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. 

Students experiencing symptoms of measles should contact UHS immediately at 608-265-5600. 

What should I do to prevent measles? 

Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Most people received this vaccine in childhood, but you can check your vaccination status by consulting the Wisconsin Immunization Registry if you’re from Wisconsin, or by reaching out to your health care provider.  

If you have not received an MMR vaccine, you are encouraged to get vaccinated through a local pharmacy, your health care provider, or, if you’re a student, through UHS. Public Health Madison & Dane County also provides MMR vaccination to uninsured adults.