Flu Cases Declining and Return to Normal Clinic Operations

March 3, 2026

Dear Faculty and Graduate Assistants,

We’re pleased to share some good news. Over the past week, influenza and flu-like illness cases have declined significantly across campus and in the surrounding community.

Because of this improvement, the Pat Walker Health Center has lifted the temporary pause on non-urgent Primary Care Clinic services. Elective procedures, routine physicals, and other non-urgent appointments have resumed normal scheduling. Thank you for your patience while we focused our resources on students who needed immediate care.

We are especially grateful to our faculty and instructional staff. Your flexibility during the peak of flu season made a real difference. By allowing short-term absences and avoiding unnecessary medical note requirements, you helped reduce transmission, ease pressure on clinical resources, and support student recovery.

Although cases are declining, the broader principles we emphasized earlier still matter. Students who are ill should continue to stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication) and their symptoms are improving. And when possible, maintaining reasonable flexibility for routine viral illnesses remains a sound practice.

As a reminder, the Pat Walker Health Center does not routinely issue absence notes for uncomplicated viral infections. When notes are required for short-term, routine viral illnesses, it can unintentionally add stress for students, create avoidable costs, and increase traffic in clinical spaces that are better reserved for those with more severe illnesses.

We appreciate your continued partnership as we balance academic rigor with student well-being. Your leadership and understanding help keep our community healthy and our students on track.

Thank you for your commitment to our students’ health and our campus community.

Sincerely,