Announcements

NEW Election Stress Workshops

Ahead of the most divisive election in decades, more than two-thirds of U.S. adults (68%) say that the 2020 U.S. presidential election is a significant source of stress in their life, a large increase from the 2016 presidential election when 52% said the same, according to a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association. The survey also found that regardless of political affiliation, majorities say that the election is a significant source of stress (76% of Democrats, 67% of Republicans and 64% of Independents). To help students cope with stress, Counseling and Mental Health Services are offering “Election Stress Workshops” to help you manage during this uncertain time. Offered Mondays at noon and Thursdays at 5 p.m. from mid-October through mid-November. (Sign up through https://usc.edu/myshr.)

COVID-19 Antibody Study

The results of the USC Student Health study appeared Oct. 15, in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Participants were invited to be part of the study via an email invitation that was sent to 9,135 students enrolled for the spring 2020 semester. Only students still living in the area could participate, as they had to come to the student health center for a blood draw. The study indicates that the virus was not widely circulating in the student population prior to the closure of the physical campus in mid-March 2020. One surprising takeaway from the study could help USC Student Health doctors zero in on possible COVID-19 cases during cold and flu season. Eighty-one percent of students who tested positive for antibodies reported losing their sense of smell or taste — a symptom associated with the new coronavirus but not influenza.

“Healthy Minds” Survey on Student Mental Health

A randomly selected sample of USC students will be invited to complete the survey and will have between September 28 - October 31 to submit responses. All responses are anonymous, and the survey takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. The results of the survey will provide important information on the mental health status of USC students, and how undergraduate and graduate students access support services. Every student who is invited is encouraged to participate. As an incentive, each student who submits a completed survey will be entered into random drawings for $20 Amazon gift cards.

Surveillance “Pop testing” Locations

Outdoor locations for surveillance "Pop Testing" has resumed at regular outdoor tent areas: Pappas Quad (HSC) and Pardee (UPC). NOTE: The Parkside location has been discontinued due to construction. Additional location in the Jefferson Parking Structure (adjacent to Engemann Plaza) has been added.

9/16 Flu Vaccine Requirement for Students

All USC students taking in-person classes or living in university-owned residences in Fall 2020 are required to complete immunization for influenza by November 1. Students living in off-campus residences and taking classes remotely are also strongly encouraged to get a flu vaccine. Students returning to in person classes in Spring 2021 will be required to show proof of vaccination before they will be permitted on campus.

September and October are optimal times for receiving the flu vaccine, as it takes approximately 2 weeks for your immune system to create antibodies for protection. Don’t delay; if you have an opportunity to get vaccinated for flu, take it.

8/24 Community Health Advisory

For students who remain on or near campus in shared living arrangements, we strongly advise you to act with caution and strictly follow all guidelines for physical distancing (6 ft.), avoiding gatherings with other outside your home, wearing face coverings around others to protect against respiratory droplets, and proceed with high adherence to hand hygiene and frequent surface contact cleaning. It is strongly recommended that students in the vicinity of USC, especially those living with housemates or suite mates, should test weekly through the Pop Testing program. All students on USC Housing lists will receive a reminder email to this effect. Personally identifiable information is kept as private patient information by our contact tracing team.

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