Feeling sick? Here’s what to do
Feeling sick at college can make it hard to know whether you should stay home, go to class or see a medical provider. If you have symptoms like a fever, cough, sore throat, headache or fatigue, start by resting, monitoring your symptoms and taking steps to avoid spreading illness to others.
Here’s what to do when you’re sick and where to find health care and illness supplies at CU Boulder.
Stay home and rest
Give your body time to rest and recover. Staying home when you’re sick can also help prevent spreading illness to friends, classmates and roommates.
While you recover:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
- Avoid sharing utensils, drinks and personal items.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, especially if you live with others.
- Open windows, when possible, to increase airflow.
- Consider wearing a well-fitting mask around others if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness.
Monitor and manage your symptoms
Many illnesses can cause similar symptoms, including fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough and headaches. Most mild illnesses can be managed at home with rest and basic care. Pay attention to how you’re feeling and whether your symptoms are improving or getting worse.
To manage mild symptoms:
- Drink plenty of water, tea or electrolyte beverages.
- Get extra sleep and rest.
- Use cough drops, saltwater gargles or honey to soothe a sore throat.
- Take over-the-counter medications as directed to help manage symptoms such as fever, aches, congestion and cough.
If you aren’t sure what may be causing your symptoms or what kind of care you need, testing or talking with a medical provider can help. COVID and flu test kits are available at the Apothecary Pharmacy on campus and at many local pharmacies.
Get illness care supplies
Need cold-care supplies or medication? You have several options on campus:
- Pick up free illness care items at Figueroa Family Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg or the Village Center Wellness Suite.
- Order a free Buff Box with cold-care supplies delivered to your residence hall (only available to on-campus residents).
- Grab free supplies through vending machines located at Norlin Library and the Village Center with your Buff OneCard.
- Visit the Apothecary Pharmacy for test kits, over-the-counter medications and prescriptions. Pharmacy staff can also help answer questions about medications.
Let your instructors or supervisors know
If you need to miss class or work because you’re sick, contact your instructors or supervisors as soon as you can. Let them know you won’t be able to attend and ask about options for assignments, attendance or other work you may miss.
If an illness or injury has a longer-term impact on your academics, Disability Services has information and resources for students with temporary medical conditions.
Know when to seek medical care
If your symptoms are getting worse, aren’t improving or you aren’t sure what kind of care you need, contact a medical provider for guidance.
You can call Wardenburg Health Center at 303-492-5101 or schedule a same-day callback with a nurse through your MyCUHealth patient portal. A nurse can help you understand your symptoms, discuss treatment options and decide whether you can continue caring for yourself at home or should seek medical care.
For after-hours care, use the TimelyCare app for free medical telehealth support. You can also visit a local urgent care facility if you need in-person care when Wardenburg is closed.
Get emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden confusion
- Trouble staying awake
- Blue or gray lips, face or skin
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are serious, contact a medical provider for guidance.