Division of Student Life | Student Health Center
Division of Student Life | Student Health Center
Student Health Center

Health Resources

Health Information

Colds and Flu
Body Image & Eating Concerns
Meningitis
Stress
Sleep
Healthy Relationships

Mpox

Per CDC, Mpox (MPV) is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. MPV symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder; and MPV is rarely fatal. MPV is not related to chickenpox.

Symptoms of MPV can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and backache
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • Respiratory Symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
  • A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.

You may experience all or only a few symptoms.

  • Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.
  • Most people with MPV will get a rash.
  • Some people have developed a rash before (or without) other symptoms.

MPV symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.

MPV can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Take the following steps to prevent getting MPV:

  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like MPV.
    • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with MPV.
    • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with MPV.
    • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with MPV.
  • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with MPV.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If a student or employee starts exhibiting symptoms after being exposed to MPV, is symptomatic and concerned about MPV, or tests positive, they should immediately isolate from others and contact their healthcare provider. 

Students who are feeling unwell are urged to visit one of the Student Health Centers for evaluation, referrals and support. In order to gauge the prevalence of MPV on campus, it is important for students to communicate with the health centers. Students can schedule a sick visit with the Student Health Center directly on the website. Residential students who test positive for MPV and live within 200 miles of campus are expected to isolate at their permenant residence.

CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to MPV and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to MPV, including:

  • People who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with MPV.
  • People who may have been exposed to MPV, such as:
    • People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with MPV
    • People who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known MPV
  • People whose jobs may expose them to orthopoxviruses, such as:
    • Laboratory workers who perform testing for orthopoxviruses
    • Laboratory workers who handle cultures or animals with orthopoxviruses
    • Some designated healthcare or public health workers

For the latest information regarding MPV, please refer to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health website: https://www.phila.gov/2022-07-19-the-latest-on-monkeypox-in-philadelphia/

Flu Shots

According to the CDC, the best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year. For flu information, please go to www.cdc.gov/flu.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

SEVERE SHORTAGE ALERT: Donors like you are urged to give now to help ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients. Hospital demand continues to outpace donations, and your help is vital.

Saint Joseph's University is hosting a blood drive Monday, November 7, 2022 from 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. in the North Lounge of Campion.

Schedule Blood Donation Appointment

Save Time & Pre-Register

The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. In accordance with CDC guidelines, donors who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a face mask. Donors who are not fully vaccinated are still required to wear a face mask. Valve face masks are not permitted. Face shields can be worn in addition to face masks but not as a substitute. The Red Cross will adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance or at the request of our blood drive sponsors.

Sexual Health

Learn more about the sexual health services offered at the Student Health Center, including the testing for and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy testing and trans care. 

Sexual Health Resources

Smoke-Free Campus

Local Resources

Find information on local hospitals, urgent care facilities, pharmacies, dentists and more below.

Local Resources & Links