Health Services
Feeling Unwell?
Tips to know what to do next
If you are feeling unwell, navigate through the following guides and discover natural, effective solutions to everyday health concerns, empowering you to take charge of your well-being and achieve optimal health.
Quick Links: Antibiotics, Common Cold, COVID, Fever, Flu, Meningitis, MONO, Sexual Health and Strep throat.
Be Antibiotics Aware
Antibiotics are not always the answer. Understanding the difference in bacterial infection and a viral infection can help you and your health care provider choose the best treatment for you. Use the link below to learn more about the safe use of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection that affects millions of people every year. While it's usually not serious, it can cause discomfort and disrupt your daily routine.
Prevention
- Wash Your Hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Treatments
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Use over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, decongestants, or cough suppressants, as directed.
- Use a humidifier or take a steamy shower to help relieve congestion.
- If symptoms worsen seek medical attention
COVID
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, get tested for COVID-19. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and appear 2–14 days after you are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Fever
A fever is a temporary increase in your body's temperature. The normal body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), but a fever is generally considered to be any temperature 100.4°F (38°C) or greater.
What causes a fever?
Fevers are most commonly often a sign that your immune system is fighting off an infection or illness, like the flu or COVID.
Typical Symptoms of a fever:
- High body temperature (100.4 or greater)
- Chills and sweating
- Headache and muscle aches
- Weakness and fatigue
- Dehydration
How to manage a fever:
- Take an over the counter fever reducing medication as directed
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Rest and sleep as much as possible
- Do not "bundle up, " even if cold
- Seek medical attention if fever does not improve or worsens
Flu
Influenza or "the flu," is caused by seasonal influenza viruses that can be spread from one person to another.
How to recognize the flu:
- Sudden high fever
- Headache
- Sore throat or cough
- Muscle pain
What to do if you have the flu:
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm/elbow or a tissue
- Wash your hands frequently
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of water and eat nutrient dense foods
- Seek medical care if you do not improve after several days
Meningitis 101 for College Students
College living puts students in close quarters and increases their risk for infectious illness like meningitis. Use the links below to learn about ways to prevent meningitis through awareness and vaccination.
Meningitis Information MeniNgitis 101
MONO
MONO is a viral infection that is spread through saliva. It is the most common in teenagers and young adults.
What it looks like:
Fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and swollen tonsils. Some people may also experience a rash or abdominal pain.
Prevent MONO:
Mononucleosis can be prevented by avoiding close contact with people who are infected, not sharing drinks and utensils, and practicing good hand hygiene.
Sexual Health
Sexual Health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. Sexual Health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships. For more information on sexually transmitted infections and sexual health services we provide, see the link below or ask a Health Services staff member.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. It is caused by the streptococcus bacteria and can be easily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets
To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading strep throat:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or personal items with infected individuals.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and phones.
Symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils
- White/ yellow patches in throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
