University of Wisconsin–Madison

Category: Medical

What to Know for Better Sleep

Sleep is the body’s way of repairing and resting itself. When you miss out on sleep, you’re not receiving all of its benefits. Sleeping allows you to rebuild cells, refill energy stores, and retain memory. Try to aim for over seven and a half hours of sleep (see “Sleep Cycles” below). Sleep consultations are available …

Not sure whether to seek care? Try UHS’s new symptom checker tool.

University Health Services (UHS) introduced a new resource to help connect students to the right care at the right time. With the new online symptom checker tool, available 24/7 on MyUHS, students can receive clinically supported recommendations based on their symptoms and health concerns.  When should I use the symptom checker tool?   The symptom checker …

Cold and flu season is here

UHS providers are often asked when it’s best to stay home versus seek care for cold and flu symptoms. If you’re feeling under the weather, here are some tips for connecting to the right care for you.   Caring for Yourself at Home  For mild colds, sore throats, or low fevers, you can generally recover …

It’s Respiratory Virus Season

Upper respiratory viruses are common throughout the winter months. As students have returned to campus, UHS has seen an increase in respiratory illnesses, which includes influenza (flu).

Tummy issues? It’s not just you.

This time of year, acute gastroenteritis – an infectious illness that causes vomiting and diarrhea – is common.

What you should know about pertussis (whooping cough)

This time of year, many respiratory illnesses are starting to spread throughout our campus community. One of these illnesses is pertussis, also known as whooping cough. While the broader Dane County has been monitoring an increase of whooping cough cases since the summer, University Health Services (UHS) has been paying close attention to these trends …

What to know about measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.

Rising rates of e-cigarette usage

Recent research shows an increase in e-cigarette usage among young adults Research from incoming first year students indicates that 21.70 percent of students in 2018 have used an e-cigarette in the past two weeks, an increase of 33.95 percent since 2017, and an increase of 486.49 percent since 2016. The usage of cigarettes has declined …

STI testing: Find out for free

If you are sexually active, getting regularly tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an important part of your overall health. Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms so getting tested is the only way to know. All STIs are treatable and many are curable. No-cost screening, diagnosis, and treatment for most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) …

Traveler’s Checklist

There’s a lot to think about when you’re preparing to travel to a different country. When you’re planning what to take on your trip, don’t forget to pack a Travelers’ Health Kit in your luggage. It’s a good idea to keep all medicines, especially prescriptions, in your carry-on bags. Because of airline security rules, sharp …