As the semester gets busy, it’s natural to worry if your student comes down with a cold, flu or another common illness. Even from afar, your calm encouragement can help them feel more supported and prepared. Here are some simple ways you can help guide them through getting sick while at school. 

Encourage your student to stay home

If your student isn’t feeling well, remind them that it’s okay—and important—to stay home and rest. Staying away from others (including roommates when possible) helps prevent illnesses from spreading. Wearing a mask can also reduce the risk of passing respiratory viruses to the people they live with. 

If they need to miss class or work, encourage them to:

• Email instructors or supervisors to let them know they’re sick

• Mention any assignments due and offer to make up the work

• Discuss a plan with instructors if they expect to be out for more than a day or two

• Contact Disability Services if they have a temporary condition like an extended illness, injury or surgery 

Most students can return to normal activities after at least 24 hours of improving symptoms and no fever.  

Help them monitor symptoms

Many illnesses share similar symptoms—fever, fatigue, headaches and sore throat can show up with colds, flu, strep throat, mono and COVID. Testing can help your student understand what they might be dealing with. 

Your student can:

• Schedule testing at Wardenburg Health Center or a local clinic 

• Pick up COVID or flu at‑home test kits at the Apothecary Pharmacy on campus or other local pharmacies

• Wear a mask if they’re unsure what they have, especially around others 

While sick, most students can care for themselves at home with basic remedies such as:

• Drinking plenty of water, tea or electrolyte drinks

• Getting extra rest

• Using cough drops, saltwater gargles or honey for sore throats

• Taking over‑the‑counter medications for fever, nausea or other symptoms 

On‑campus resources for student:

• Free illness‑care supplies at Wardenburg’s Wellness Suite (third floor) and Village Center Wellness

• Free cold‑care kits delivered to residence halls through the Buff Box program

• Test kits, OTC medications and prescriptions at the Apothecary Pharmacy 

Help them know when to seek care

If your student is unsure what to do, encourage them to call their primary care provider or Medical Services at 303‑492‑5101. They can also schedule a same‑day nurse call through their MyCUHealth portal. A nurse can help them understand their symptoms and decide whether to stay home or visit a clinic. 

For after-hours care, CU Boulder Medical Services has partnered with the TimelyCare mobile app to offer all students free access to telehealth medical support. Encourage your student to create an account at timelycare.com/cuboulder to get started.