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Tips for staying healthy (and what to do if your student gets sick)

Person blowing their nose while talking on the phone

The semester is in full swing, and so are common illnesses, like the flu, common cold and COVID.ÌýÌý

Here are some tips to help your student stay healthy and what to do if they end up getting sick.Ìý

Ways to stay healthy

1. Get vaccinated

Vaccines can help our body’s immune system recognize and defend against a variety of viruses before you get infected. They can also reduce the severity of symptoms if your student ends up falling ill. Plus, they’re great for parents and families, too!Ìý

Here are two vaccines to consider getting this year.Ìý

  • Flu: Students have a couple options to get a flu shot this semester. They can get a free flu shot at one of the flu shot clinics around campus—no appointment necessary. Students can also visit Wardenburg Monday through Friday from 9-11 a.m. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins can be accommodated depending on availability.ÌýÌý
  • COVID: Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available for students this year at Medical Services.

2. Avoid the spread

Practicing good infection-prevention habits can help reduce your student’s exposure to germs and viruses and prevent the spread of illnesses.ÌýÌý

Here are some reminders to share that can keep them and others healthy.Ìý

  • Remind them to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating, after using the restroom and after class. Be sure to use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
  • Encourage them to remind their friends, roommates and peers to cover their coughs and sneezes, even if it’s just seasonal allergies.Ìý
  • Advise them to wipe down commonly used surfaces in their home or residence hall, including door handles, toilets, faucets, remotes and other areas they and their roommates touch regularly.
  • Avoid sharing personal products and utensils with others. This includes things like lip balm, food, beverages, vapes and other products. They may also choose to wear a mask to reduce their exposure to any respiratory illnesses, including COVID.Ìý

3. Practice healthy habits

Did you know that our immune systems can be impacted by the things we do every day?ÌýÌý

Here are a few ways your student can take care of themselves this season.Ìý

  • Sleep: Getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night can help strengthen our bodies and immune systems against illnesses. Encourage your student to create a routine where they wake up and go to bed at the same time each night to ensure they get enough sleep.ÌýÌý
  • Eating: Eating a variety of foods regularly can help us maintain our energy and ward off viral and bacterial infections. Encourage your student to add vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables to each of their meals.ÌýÌý
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated can help loosen mucus and increase blood flow. Carrying a refillable water bottle and using water stations around campus is a great way to ensure your student stays hydrated throughout the day.ÌýÌý
  • Physical activity: Staying physically active can help our bodies build resilience against infectious diseases. Your student should strive for at least 30 minutes of activity each day. This can include everything from walks across campus and trips to The Rec to playing yard games outside with friends.ÌýÌý
  • Stress: Taking time to relax and manage stress is important to keep our immune systems running at full capacity. When we feel overwhelmed it can impact how we take care of ourselves and decrease our ability to fight off infections. Encourage your student to make time to relax, let off steam and enjoy life outside of school.

What to do if your student gets sickÌý

Ìý1. Stay home

If your student isn’t feeling well, encourage them to stay home and away from others (including those they live with). Students can typically get back to their normal activities after at least 24 hours if their symptoms are getting better overall and if they don’t have a fever. This can decrease the chances of others on campus getting sick.ÌýÌý

2. Inform instructors and supervisors

If your student is going to miss class or work due to an illness, be sure they give their instructors and/or supervisors a heads up.ÌýÌýÌý

Encourage your student to contact their instructors or supervisors directly to explain their situation and inform them they cannot attend class. Students should email them any assignments that are due and let them know they will make up any missed coursework. If your student thinks they may be absent for longer, they should communicate that with them and ask their instructors to discuss a plan to keep up in class.ÌýÌýÌý

If your student needs help navigating class requirements while they’re ill, Student Support and Case Management can help them come up with a plan and connect with campus resources. Students can also contact Disability Services if they have a temporary medical condition, including illness, injuries or surgery.

3. Monitor symptoms

Many illnesses share symptoms, and it can be hard to tell exactly what your student may have, especially in the early days of an infection. For instance, coughing and headaches are common among many illnesses, including flu, cold and COVID. Testing for COVID can help your student narrow down the list of possible illnesses. At-home test kits are available over the counter at the Apothecary Pharmacy and at most local pharmacies.ÌýÌýÌý

While they’re sick, encourage your student to monitor their symptoms. Most illnesses can be managed at home with basic remedies.ÌýÌý

Here are a few at-home options to try.Ìý

  • Drink plenty of fluids like water or tea.Ìý
  • If your student feels dehydrated, opt for electrolyte beverages like Gatorade or Pedialyte.Ìý
  • Get extra rest to help their body recover.Ìý
  • Use cough drops, gargle with saltwater or try honey sticks to relieve a sore throat.Ìý
  • Use over-the-counter medications to help manage symptoms like nausea or diarrhea.ÌýÌý

Need supplies? Here are some resources available on campus.Ìý

  • Students can pick up free illness care supplies on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center in the Wellness Suite.Ìý
  • Students can order free cold care supplies for on-campus delivery to residence halls through the Buff Box program.
  • Students can stop by the Apothecary Pharmacy to purchase COVID test kits, over-the-counter medications and prescriptions.ÌýÌýÌý

If your student is unsure what to do or has additional questions, encourage them to call their primary care provider or the main line at Medical Services (303-492-5101). They will be connected with a nurse at Medical Services who can discuss symptoms and treatment options, including whether they should take care of themselves at home or seek medical care. For after-hours support, students can call a local urgent care facility or schedule a free virtual appointment on-demand through AcademicLiveCare.ÌýÌýÌý

4. Seek emergency care if needed

If your student experiences any of these symptoms, tell them to seek emergency medical care immediately:ÌýÌý

  • Difficulty breathingÌý
  • Persistent pain or pressure on chestÌý
  • Sudden confusionÌý
  • Inability to wake or stay awakeÌý
  • Bluish lips, face or skinÌýÌý

Students should call 911 or head to a local emergency room. They can also contact their medical provider if they are experiencing severe symptoms and aren’t sure if they need urgent support.Ìý

ResourcesÌý

Medical Services
Students can call Medical Services at 303-492-5101 to discuss their symptoms and figure out a treatment plan for a variety of illnesses.Ìý

Apothecary Pharmacy
The Apothecary Pharmacy offers over-the-counter remedies, COVID tests and prescriptions.Ìý

Wellness Suite
Pick up free cold, flu and COVID care supplies at the Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center.Ìý

Buff Boxes
Students can order free supplies to their residence hall through the Buff Box program.Ìý

Free flu shots
Students can get a free flu vaccine on campus during drop-in hours or by appointment.Ìý

COVID shots
Students can schedule a COVID vaccine appointment at Medical Services, with their primary care doctor or at a local pharmacy. COVID vaccines will be billed through your insurance plan.Ìý

AcademicLiveCare
If your student needs after-hours or weekend support, they can take advantage of AcademicLiveCare. This free program allows students to schedule free online medical and mental health appointments from anywhere.ÌýÌýÌý