Dear TCC Campus Community,

We hope this message finds you well.  Over the recent weeks, the number of students diagnosed with flu at The Claremont Colleges has increased noticeably. This uptick mirrors national trends in flu and other respiratory illnesses, especially as we approach the peak of the cold and flu season.

To keep our community healthy and thriving, we urge students, faculty and staff to take proactive steps to safeguard against these illnesses. Here are some tips on staying healthy during this time.

Signs and Symptoms

If you have cold/flu symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting) you should do the following:

• Stay home and get plenty of rest. Do not attend class, lab, dining halls, or other public gatherings. Please email your professors to inform them that you are ill. Note that cold/flu symptoms may last several days.
• Drink extra fluids like soups and tea with honey and lemon which may be soothing.
• Gargle with salt water, suck on throat lozenges, or use a throat spray.
• Take Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve) to reduce your fever and lessen your headaches and body aches.
• Use decongestants (Sudafed), antihistamines (Benadryl), and cough suppressants (Robitussin DM) as directed to reduce symptom.
• Take a steamy shower or use a humidifier to relieve nasal congestion.

Schedule an Appointment (for students)

If your students are feeling unwell, have concerns about flu symptoms, or need medical advice, please schedule an appointment through the student health portal (SHS Student Health Portal). Students should reach out to us if they have any of the following:

• Fever higher than 102 degrees F or if they have fever/chills for more than 2 days.
• Thick green or yellow nasal drainage or painful sinuses.
• Severely painful sore throat, large, red tonsils with white or yellow spots or painful neck glands.
• Cough that lasts longer than 1-2 weeks, green or brown sputum from the chest, chest pain or wheezing.
• Painful ears or pus draining from the ears.
• Cold symptoms that last more than 7 days.
• Severe diarrhea or persistent vomiting that lasts more than 2-3 days.
• Have any sick contacts or others concerns and would like someone to evaluate you.

Preventative Measures

• Eat healthy food, get plenty of sleep, and exercise to keep up your resistance.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
• If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, stay home and rest to prevent spreading the virus.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Flu Vaccine Reminder
It is not too late to get your flu vaccine! The flu shot remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness. Vaccines are still available at local pharmacies including Hendrick’s Pharmacy, CVS and Walgreens.

Additional Guidance and Resources

• Students that are experiencing symptoms after hours or on weekends can utilize Timely Care.
• Be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications
• Symptoms that should prompt immediate evaluation. If you feel that there is a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.
  • Shortness of Breath or Difficulty breathing
  • Fever of > 104F that is not controlled with fever-reducing medicine
  • Severe headache or body aches
  • Chest pain
  • Dehydration
• Urgent Care and Emergency Room Information
  • Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center 1798 N. Garvey Avenue Pomona, CA 91767 (909)865-9500
  • San Antonio Regional Hospital 999 San Bernardino Road Upland, CA 91786 (909)985-2811
  • Advanced Medical and Urgent Care Center 974 West Foothill Blvd. Upland, CA 9186 (909)981-2273
  • Mountain View Urgent Care at Casa Colina 255 E. Bonita Ave. Bldg. 1, Suite 100 Pomona, CA 91767 (909)643-2980
  • La Verne Medical Urgent Care 1234 Foothill Blvd. La Verne, CA 91750 (909)596-4879

Helpful Links

Centers for Disease Control

California Department of Public Health

EPA Registered Disinfectants

Thank you for doing your part in keeping our campuses healthy and safe. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out. SHS can be reached at (909)621-8222.