Tips to support your student if they get sick
As the semester picks up pace, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned if your college student faces common illnesses like the flu or a cold. Even from afar, your encouragement and support can make a meaningful difference. With a few caring tips, you can help your student feel prepared and confident if they get sick while away at school.Ìý
Encourage your student to stay homeÌý
If your student isn’t feeling well, encourage them to stay home and away from others (including those they live with).Ìý Wearing a mask while sick can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses to roommates or housemates.ÌýÌý
If your student is going to miss class or work due to an illness, they should let their instructors and supervisors know. Encourage your student to contact their instructors or supervisors directly to explain their situation and inform them they cannot attend class. Students should email any assignments that are due and let their instructors know they will make up any missed coursework. If your student thinks they may be absent for longer, they should communicate that and ask their instructors to discuss a plan to keep up in class. Students can also contact Disability Services if they have a temporary medical condition, including illness, injuries or surgery.ÌýÌý
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.Ìý ÌýÌý
Monitoring symptomsÌý
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, 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 your student narrow down the list of possible illnesses—they can make an appointment through their student health portal. At-home test kits for COVID and the flu 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.ÌýÌý
While they’re sick, encourage your student to monitor their symptoms and consider masking up to protect those around them. Most illnesses can be managed at home with basic remedies.ÌýÌýÌý
Here are a few at-home options your student can try:ÌýÌý
- Drink plenty of fluids like water or tea, or electrolyte beverages like Gatorade or Pedialyte.Ìý
- Get extra rest to help their body recover.ÌýÌý
- Use cough drops, gargle with saltwater or try honey sticks to relieve a sore throat.ÌýÌý
- Use over-the-counter medications to help manage symptoms like fever, sore throat, nausea or diarrhea.ÌýÌýÌý
If they need supplies, here are some resources available on campus:ÌýÌý
- Students can pick up free illness care supplies on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center in the Wellness Suite or at Village Center Wellness.ÌýÌýÌý
- Students can order free cold care supplies for on-campus delivery to residence halls through the Buff Box program.Ìý
- Students can stop by the Apothecary Pharmacy to purchase test kits, over-the-counter medications and prescriptions.Ìý ÌýÌý
Seeking careÌý
If your student is unsure what to do or has questions, encourage them to call their primary care provider or they can call the main line at Medical Services (303-492-5101). They can also schedule themselves for a same-day call back with a Medical Services nurse through their .Ìý If they call Medical Services or schedule for a nurse advice call back, they can talk with a nurse to discuss symptoms and treatment options, including whether they should take care of themselves at home or seek medical care.Ìý
Your student should seek emergency medical care immediately if they have any of the following symptoms:ÌýÌýÌý
- Difficulty breathingÌýÌý
- Persistent pain or pressure in their chestÌýÌý
- Sudden confusionÌýÌý
- Inability to wake or stay awakeÌýÌý
- Bluish lips, face or skinÌýÌýÌý
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.ÌýÌý
With support and guidance, your student will be better equipped to manage their health and return to campus life feeling confident and cared for.Ìý