Dear Loyola,

We don’t know what’s more frightening: Halloween in NOLA or the itchy, sneezy symptoms of fall seasonal allergies. The good news is that we have public health tips to help with both! Read on for a guide to allergies, spooky season safety tips, and reminders about flu shots and bivalent boosters.

Bless you! Did you know fall allergies can last through November? From ragweed pollen to mold and dust, New Orleans is notorious for allergies.

Unlike COVID-19 or the flu, you won’t typically have a fever, chills, or shortness of breath resulting from allergic rhinitis (AKA common seasonal allergies).

Here are the most common allergy symptoms you may experience:

Sneezing
Itchy nose, eyes, or mouth
Runny, stuffy nose
Watery, red, or swollen eyes
Cough and postnasal drip
Dry, itchy skin

If you’re experiencing seasonal allergies, ask your doctor to recommend an over-the-counter allergy medicine. Call Student Health Services for a phone consultation at 504-865-3326 (available M–F, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.).

No one does Halloween better than New Orleans. The costumes. The parading. The decor. While we all look forward to some fun and frights this season, let’s also remember to make safe decisions. You know the deal. Let’s look out for each other and protect the Pack.

The CDC recommends taking an at-home COVID-19 test before going to any indoor events or gatherings.
Remember that excessive alcohol consumption can impair your judgment and prevent you from taking proper precautions.
If you plan to go out for Hallween, we recommend you make a checklist to prepare. Here are some things to consider: fully charge your phone, eat a well-balanced meal, drink plenty of water, and plan for a safe ride home.
Take stock of how you’re feeling and talk to a healthcare provider right away if you feel sick. You can access virtual healthcare 24/7.

Flu Shot Fair – Last Chance!

This week is our last Flu Shot Fair in the Danna Center—open to faculty, staff, and students with no appointment required. We also have preservative-free flu shots and an option for those who are age 65 and older.

Flu Shot Fair
Audubon Room (2nd floor, Danna Center)
October 18 and October 19
12 – 2 p.m.

Bring your insurance card and photo ID. If you are on your parent’s insurance, please be prepared to provide their name, address, and date of birth.

Save time and pre-register!

Log into Loyola's public health portal.
If you haven’t already, complete the four consents under Consents and Required Forms.
Complete the “Flu Vaccine Questionnaire” under Vaccine Consents. The questionnaire should be completed within 24 hours of your planned flu shot.
Add your health insurance information under the Insurance tab and upload pictures of your card (front and back). The insurance tab can be found on the main menu.

Need your shot but can’t come to the Flu Fair? Call SHS at 504-865-3326 to schedule an appointment in the clinic. You can get your bivalent COVID booster at the same time.

Both COVID-19 and the flu can have varying degrees of severity, ranging from no symptoms at all (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Common symptoms that COVID-19 and the flu share include:

Fever or feeling feverish/chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle pain or body aches
Headache
Vomiting and diarrhea (though this is more common in children than adults)

Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19, different from flu, may include change in or loss of taste or smell. If you feel any of these symptoms, be sure to contact Student Health at 504-865-3326.

Bivalent Boosters at SHS

Eligible students can make an appointment now to receive the Moderna bivalent booster shot in Student Health.

What is a bivalent booster?

The new bivalent booster shot targets both the original strain of COVID, as well as the highly contagious omicron sub-variants, which are the most common strains spreading right now.

Why should I get a booster?

Just like you need to charge your phone’s battery to restore full power, booster shots help charge your immune response to restore full protection against COVID-19.

Who’s eligible?

The F.D.A. has approved the bivalent formulations of the vaccines for use as a single booster dose at least two months following primary or booster vaccination. The Moderna booster offered in Student Health is available to anyone 18 or older.

Can I get a COVID-19 booster and flu shot at the same time?

Yes, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time. Student Health Services offers flu shots available during your booster appointment.

COVID Connections is a round-up of important information to help keep everyone in our campus community informed and safe. It arrives in your inbox monthly, with special editions on other days if needed. Explore our archive on the FAQ website to see previous editions.

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6363 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA | 70115 US

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