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Tips for staying healthy (and what to do if you get sick)

man blowing nose

 

‘Tis the season for common illnesses, like the flu, common cold and COVID.  

Here are some tips to help you stay healthy this semester and things to do if you end up getting sick. 

Ways to stay healthy 

1. Get vaccinated

Vaccines can help your body’s immune system recognize and defend against a variety of viruses before you get infected. They can also reduce the severity of your symptoms if you end up falling ill.  

Here are two vaccines to consider getting this year. 

  Flu: Students can get a free flu shot by making an appointment with Medical Services at Wardenburg Health Center. 

  COVID: Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are available this year at Medical Services. Visit the Medical Services website for more information. 

2. Avoid the spread

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

Here are some ways you can help yourself and others. 

  Wash your 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. 

  Remind your friends, roommates and peers to cover their coughs and sneezes, even if it’s just seasonal allergies.  

  Wipe down commonly used surfaces in your home or residence hall, including door handles, toilets, faucets, remotes and other areas you and your roommates touch regularly. 

  Avoid sharing personal products and utensils with others. This includes things like lip balm, food, beverages, vapes and other products. You may also choose to wear a mask to reduce your exposure to respiratory illnesses. 

3. Take care of yourself

Did you know that your immune system can be impacted by the things you do every day?  

Here are a few ways to take care of yourself this season. 

  • Sleep: Getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night can help strengthen your body and immune system against illnesses. Try creating a routine where you wake up and go to bed at the same time each night to ensure you get enough sleep.  
     
  • Eating habits: Eating a variety of foods regularly can help you maintain your energy and ward off viral and bacterial infections. Try adding vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables to each of your meals.  
     
  • 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 you stay hydrated throughout the day.  
     
  • Physical activity: Staying physically active can help your body build resilience against infectious diseases. 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.  
     
  • Stress: Taking time to relax and manage stress is important to keep your immune system 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. 

What to do if you get sick 

1. Stay home

Here are some more things you can do to prevent the spread of illnesses:  

  • Disinfect surfaces in your home, especially if you live with more people. 
  • Cough and sneeze into your sleeve, elbow or a tissue. 
  • Increase ventilation by opening windows. 
  • Avoid sharing utensils or personal items with roommates or friends. 
  • Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
  • Wear a mask if you’re worried about respiratory illnesses.  

2. Inform your instructors and supervisors

If you’re going to miss class or work due to an illness, let your instructors and/or supervisors know. Contact your instructors or supervisors directly to explain your situation and inform them you can't attend class. Reach out to your instructors directly to explain your situation and let them know you can’t attend class. You should email them any assignments that are due and let them know you will make up any missed coursework.   

If you think you may be absent for longer, you should communicate that with them and ask them to discuss a plan. You can also contact Disability Services if you have a temporary medical condition, including illness, injuries or surgery.

3. Monitor your symptoms

Many illnesses share symptoms, and it can be hard to tell exactly what you may have, especially in the early days of an infection. For instance, fatigue, fever, sore throat, and headaches are common among many illnesses including flu, cold, mono, strep throat and COVID. Testing at Wardenburg Health Center or a local medical clinic can help you narrow down the list of possible illnesses. At-home test kits for COVID are available over the counter at the Apothecary Pharmacy. Most local pharmacies also carry COVID test kits as well as combined test kits for both influenza and COVID.   

While you’re sick, be sure to monitor your symptoms. Most illnesses can be managed at home with basic remedies.  

Here are a few at-home remedies to try. 

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

Need supplies? Here are some options to get at-home remedies on campus.  

  • Order free cold care supplies for on-campus delivery to residence halls through the Buff Box program.
  • Stop by the Apothecary Pharmacy to purchase COVID test kits, over-the-counter medications and prescriptions.   

If you’re unsure what to do or have additional questions, call your primary care provider or the main line at Medical Services (303-492-5101). You will be connected with a nurse at Medical Services who can discuss your symptoms and treatment options, including whether you should take care of yourself at home or seek medical care. For after-hours support, you can call your local urgent care or schedule a free virtual appointment on-demand through AcademicLiveCare.

4. Seek care if needed

If you’re unsure of what to do or have questions, call your primary care provider or Wardenburg Health Center on campus at 303-492-5101. You can also schedule a same-day call back through with a nurse through your MyCUHealth patient portal. Both of these options allow you talk with a nurse to discuss symptoms and treatment options, including whether you should take care of yourself at home or seek medical care.   

For other after-hours support, you can schedule a free virtual appointment on-demand through AcademicLiveCare or visit a local urgent care facility.  

You should seek emergency medical care immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:    

  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Persistent pain or pressure in your chest   
  • Sudden confusion   
  • Inability to wake or stay awake  
  • Bluish lips, face or skin    

Call 911 or head to a local emergency room. You can also contact your medical provider if you are experiencing severe symptoms and aren’t sure if you need urgent support.  

Resources

Medical Services 
Students can call Medical Services at 303-492-5101 or schedule same-day call back through their MyCUHealth to discuss their symptoms and figure out a treatment plan for a variety of illnesses.  

Free flu shots 
Students can get a free flu vaccine at Wardenburg Health Center by scheduling an appointment. 

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. 

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

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

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

AcademicLiveCare 
If you need after-hours or weekend support, students, staff and faculty can take advantage of AcademicLiveCare. This free program allows you to schedule free online medical and mental health appointments from anywhere.