SWS Updates

Increase in Meningococcal Disease in KFL&A Area

There have been several reported cases of bacterial meningococcal meningitis type B in our region, including among post-secondary students.  Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis or an infection of the blood stream. 

All meningococcal infections are considered medical emergencies.  If you suspect you have this infection, please visit your local emergency room immediately.  Symptoms may initially resemble the flu then progress rapidly.  If not treated properly, this infection can have serious consequences. 

Symptoms include: 

• Sudden fever
• Intense headache
• Stiff neck
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Purplish skin rash

KFL&A Public Health is encouraging all students to get a Meningococcal B vaccine.  This is NOT a publicly funded vaccine therefore it is not part of the childhood vaccine series.  You can do this by visiting your healthcare provider or by booking an appointment SWS and asking for a prescription. Supplementary insurance plans, like AMS and SGPS health and dental plan, likely cover most of the cost of this vaccine.

Students at high risk, due to underlying health conditions, are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.  High risk conditions include those with one or more of the following: 

• Acquired complement deficiencies (e.g., receiving eculizumab)
• Asplenia (functional or anatomic)
• Cochlear implant recipients (pre/post implant)
• Complement, properdin, factor D, or primary antibody deficiencies 
• HIV

Learn more about Meningococcal Disease.  This virus is primarily spread through saliva so try to avoid sharing things like water bottles, drinks, food, utensils, vapes, joints, etc.

Apply to receive a HIV self-test kit online. Pick-up at Student Wellness. Do the test at home. Get your results.

GetaKit is a clinical decision tool that recommends/provides sexual health services. Student Wellness Services offers the option to pick up a HIV self-test kit if a person meets the GetaKit criteria.

You’re eligible for HIV self-testing if you are:

• 16 or older
• HIV negative, or unsure of your status
• Not enrolled in an HIV vaccine trial
• Not diagnosed with a bleeding disorder
• Sexually active or use injection drugs

If you have symptoms, or if one of your partners has been recently diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection or HIV, or if you think you need PEP, please visit these resources first.

Students can receive an HIV self-test kit by completing this survey, and see what tests, supports, and services are recommended for you.

Once the survey is complete and if it recommends eligibility for a HIV self-test kit, students can select to pick up the kit at Student Wellness Services. The available time for kit pick up is on Wednesdays during business hours 9:00-4:00pm. Provide the code number, and get a HIV self-test kit.

After the test is taken, students are not obligated to report the results. It is recommended the student follow the instructions provided to receive the appropriate follow-up care and resources. If you need immediate support following your test results, please call the HIV/AIDS hotline: 1-800-668-2437 or e-chat: sexualhealthontario.ca/en/chat

We strongly encouraging all members of our campus community, including students, staff and faculty, to get an influenza and COVID-19 vaccine every year at the start of respiratory season to help protect against these viral illnesses.  

KFL&A Public Health recommends isolating if you experience symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 until they have begun to improve for 24-hours.  Find out more about COVID-19 screening, testing and treatment including how to access academic consideration.  

Taking the time to get vaccinated not only protects you from getting sick but it also helps protect your peers, friends and loved ones. Getting vaccinated will also help us avoid overwhelming our local hospitals.

Find more information about influenza and COVID-19 from Immunize Canada.  Check out the ministry guidance if you are unsure whether you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. 

How to Get Influenza (Flu) & COVID-19 Vaccines

On-campus influenza vaccines will be available between November and March during flu season.  Individuals who are high-risk are encouraged to get a COVID-19 booster when they become available in the spring at a local pharmacy.

Local pharmacies on or near campus include:

• DrugSmart Pharmacy (on campus)
• Shoppers Drug Mart (at Princess & Division or Princess & Bagot)
• Loblaws Pharmacy (at Sir John A MacDonald Blvd & Princess)
• Lovell Drugs (at Brock & Johnson or Stuart and University)

How to Report COVID-19 Vaccines Received Outside of Ontario or Canada 

You can submit a copy of your vaccine records by: Fax 613-549-0985 or mail: KLF&A Public Health, 221 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston, ON, K7M1V5

Once your vaccine records have been received, KFL&A Public Health will update your records in the Ontario documentation system (COVaxON). Please allow 7 to 10 business days.  When your record has been updated you will be sent an email with a link that will allow you to download your vaccine receipt. 

Other Vaccines

We also encourage students to make sure all your other vaccines are up to date. If you do not have a record of what vaccines you’ve received, your parents/supporters or your family doctor likely have this information. If you’re missing doses or have never been vaccinated and want to catch up, you can book an appointment at Student Wellness Services (SWS). For more information about what vaccines are recommended, here is the Ontario’s routine immunization schedule.

Important information about final exams for students registered with Queen's Student Accessibility Services (QSAS):

• Login to Ventus to view your final accommodated exam schedule
• If your accommodated exams are finalized in Ventus, it is past the deadline to make changes.  Book an appointment with your QSAS Advisor after the exam period if you want to review your accommodations
• If you are unable to attend your final exam due to an exacerbation of your disability, follow the exam deferral process.  

Testing

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has stopped distributing free rapid antigen tests to the public.  If you have COVID-19 symptoms and are higher risk of serious illness, you can get tested with a PCR or rapid antigen test (RAT).  Check Ontario COVID-19 testing options available.  

Treatment

If you have COVID symptoms, test positive with a PCR or RAT and are at increase risk of serious illness, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist as soon as possible to see if you would benefit from COVID-19 treatment. To be effective, this treatment must be taken within the first 5 days of symptoms starting.  Check Ontario COVID-19 testing and treatment website to see if you are at an increase risk of serious illness.  

Academic Considerations

If you will be missing an academic requirement due to COVID-19 illness, symptoms, or a self-isolation requirement, academic consideration will be granted.

• To receive academic consideration, you need to submit a request by following your Faculty’s/School’s established protocol for students with extenuating circumstances.
   
• For COVID-19-related absences, a self-attestation of your illness or requirement to self-isolate will be sufficient documentation of your circumstances. Documentation from a health-care provider will not be required.
   
• It is your responsibility to contact each of your instructors to arrange to make up the missed work.

Find additional COVID-19 information on the Risk & Safety Services website. 

Alarming Increase in Drug Poisonings in the KFL&A Area

KFL&A Public Health is warning residents about increases of drug poisonings.  Overdoses are happening quickly and testing has revealed fluorofentanyl; a potent opioid that is twice as strong as fentanyl. 

Anyone who suspects or witnesses an overdose should call 9-1-1. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection against simple drug possession charges for anyone who experiences, witnesses or responds to an overdose and calls 9-1-1.

Public Health recommends: 

• Avoid using alone. If you use alone, tell someone before you use and have a safety plan that includes having someone check in with you. Alternatives may include:
  • Using with a friend or family member present or virtually
  • Staggering use if both are using drugs.
     
• Using a supervised consumption service in person at 661 Montreal St., Kingston or virtually by calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677)
   
• Avoid using more than one drug at a time, including alcohol.
   
• Go slow. The quality of unregulated drugs is unpredictable.
   
• Get a free naloxone kit and training. Always carry it with you.
   
• Seek medical treatment.

For more information on harm reduction, visit the KFL&A Public Health website

Student Wellness Services will be closed on the following dates/times:

• Monday February 17, 2025

When we are closed, visit Get Help Now to find 24/7 phone and online mental health resources in addition to resources for medical care.

Most respiratory viruses (i.e., cold, influenza, or COVID), while uncomfortable, are mild or moderate in severity and do not require treatment. Viral illnesses are not treated with antibiotics.

Student Wellness Services encourages you to stay-home and self-manage symptoms of respiratory illness. In addition, Queen's Risk & Safety Services suggests: 

• Monitor yourself for symptoms prior to coming to campus or attending class or activities.
• If you are sick, stay at home or in your residence room until your symptoms improve as outlined by KFL&A Public Health.
• Connect with your faculty to understand the process for requesting academic considerations for the time you are unable to come to campus or attend classes.
  • If you miss a class, exam or other academic requirement due to COVID-19 illness, symptoms or self-isolation requirement, academic consideration will be granted.  
  • Students can submit an academic consideration request by following your Faculty's/School's established protocol for students with extenuating circumstances. Find additional information about the Extenuating Circumstances procedure and policy.  

Because the symptoms can be similar, it can be hard to know if you have a cold, influenza or COVID-19. The table below outlines some of the differences:

If you are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms:

• Stay home except to access medical care. Do not visit public area or go places where you are unable to wear a mask. If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, follow current isolation guidelines.
• Take care of yourself by getting rest and staying hydrated. A humidifier, throat lozenges and salt water rinses may help.
• Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen. Ask a pharmacist to suggest medications based on your symptoms.

Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection, though there has been a recent uptick in cases throughout many parts of the world, including Canada. The virus spreads through close, physical contact, particularly through contact with an infected person’s rash or bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, and semen. The virus may also spread through respiratory particles (e.g. from talking, breathing, coughing, sneezing) during prolonged close contact.

Monkeypox commonly presents with a rash that may be painful and can affect any part of the body, including the mouth, genitals, face, arm and legs, and feet and hands. Other general symptoms that may accompany the rash include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, muscle pain, and exhaustion.

People usually develop symptoms 5 to 21 days after being exposed to the virus and are contagious from the onset of the first symptoms until the scabs from their rash have fallen off and the skin has healed. If you experience symptoms, isolate at home away from others and contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice on testing and medical care.

Monkeypox typically goes away on its own within 2-4 weeks. However, it can be severe and potentially life-threatening in some circumstances.

For more information on Monkeypox, see the KFL&A Public Health and/or the Government of Canada website.

Gastroenteritis, caused by irritation and information in the stomach and intestines, can lead to fever, stomach pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.  Most people get better with no specific treatment.

Here are some ways to self-manage your symptoms if they are mild-to-moderate:

• Stay hydrated.  Take small and frequent sips of water, clear broths, decaffeinated tea, diluted sports drinks, etc. 
• Get plenty of rest as this illness may leave you feeling weak and tired.
• Let your stomach settle.  Avoid eating solid food when feeling unwell.
• Ease back into foods.  Start with bland & easy-to-digest foods at first (e.g., soda crackers, soup, bananas and rice). Stop eating if your nausea returns.
• Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, dairy, high fat and spicy foods)

Seek medical care if you experience any of the following:

• Blood or pus in your stool (poop)
• High fever (i.e., above 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C)), it lasts longer than 5 days and/or stays high even after you’ve taken over-the-counter medication (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Symptoms of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, deep yellow urine (pee) or little or no urine)
• Have recently travelled
• You are immuno-compromised from medications or medical conditions that alter your immune system

Help prevent spreading it to others:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water thoroughly after using the toilet, after contact with animals, and before preparing or eating food.
• Do not share towels, washcloths, or utensils with someone who is ill. Wash these separately, using hot water. 
• Stay home when you are sick for 24-48 hours after symptoms stop. 

Connect with your faculty to understand the process for requesting academic considerations for the time you are unable to come to campus or attend classes.  Students can submit an academic consideration request by following your Faculty's/School's established protocol for students with extenuating circumstances.  Student Wellness Services is unable to provide sick notes as documentation. 

Find additional information about the Extenuating Circumstances procedure and policy.  

Amidst the current measles outbreak, Public Health is strongly urging everyone to make sure their vaccines are up to date.  Measles is a highly contagious virus, spread through the air, which can cause serious complications.  Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and to help reduce the spread of measles in our community. 

Potential Exposure  

There has been a recent confirmed case of measles in Kingston.  If you attended these locations at these dates and times, you may have been exposed to measles: 

• Duncan McArthur Hall: March 29th from 5-8pm + March 30 from 11am-10pm 

• Hotel Dieu Hospital Urgent Care Center: April 3rd from 11am-5pm 

• Megabus: April 3rd from 4:30pm (in Kingston) to 9:15pm (in Scarborough) 

If you believe you have been exposed and/or are high risk (i.e., immunocompromised, unvaccinated, pregnant or have an infant under 12 months), call Public Health 613-549-1232 immediately.  You may be eligible for preventive treatment and will be encouraged to monitor for symptoms which can start 7 to 21 days after exposure.   

Symptoms of measles may include:  

• high fever, cough, runny nose 

• red, watery eyes (pink eye or conjunctivitis), sensitive to light 

• red blotchy rash (usually develops 14 days after exposure) 

If you develop symptoms, stay home and do not go to work or school.  Please call Public Health at 613-549-1232 for advice on how to manage symptoms and when to seek medical attention.  

Getting Vaccinated 

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is part of the publicly funded Ontario routine immunization schedule.  Typically, children receive this vaccine at 1 and 4-6 years of age as part of the Immunization of School Pupils Act.  If you are a current Queen’s student and have not been vaccinated with 2 doses or had a recent exposure, you can call Student Wellness Services (SWS) at 613-533-2506 to book a nursing appointment.  If you need a vaccine and were potentially exposed to someone with measles, please call Public Health at 613-549-1232.

SWS is unable to vaccinate partners, children, and staff/ faculty.  If you do not have a primary health care provider, you can book online to get vaccinated at the local public health unit in Kingston.   

Checking Vaccination Records 

Everyone is encouraged to check their immunization records to ensure they are fully vaccinated.  Students from Ontario can review their records online while out-of-province and international students are encouraged to call their primary healthcare providers and/or local public health units. 

More information on measles can be found at kflaph.ca/measles.