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Feeling sick? Here's what to do

man blowing nose

Winter is coming, and common illnesses like the flu, colds and COVID are already spreading. Here are some steps to take if you end up feeling sick.   

Stay home

If you aren鈥檛 feeling well, stay home and do your best to stay away from others, including those you live with. Here are some more things you can do to prevent the spread of illnesses:  

  • Disinfect surfaces in your home, especially if you live with others.  
  • 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.  
  • Wear a mask if you鈥檙e worried about respiratory illnesses.   

Inform your instructors and supervisors 

If you鈥檙e 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鈥檛 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 to keep up in class. Students can also contact Disability Services if they have a temporary medical condition, including illness, injuries or surgery. 

Monitor 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鈥檙e sick, be sure to monitor your symptoms and consider masking up to protect those around you. 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 fever, sore throat, nausea or diarrhea.   

Need supplies? Here are some resources available on campus:

  • Pick up free illness care supplies on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center in the Wellness Suite.  
  • 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.    

Seek care

If you鈥檙e unsure of what to do or have questions, call your primary care provider or the main line at Medical Services (303-492-5101).  You can also schedule yourself for a Medical Services nurse advice same-day call back through your MyCUHealth patient portal (mycuhealth.colorado.edu).  If you call Medical Services or schedule yourself for a nurse advice same-day call back, you can talk with a nurse to discuss symptoms and treatment options, including whether you should take care of yourself at home or seek medical care.  

As part of Medical Services' dedication to providing on campus access to acute illness care for students during times of high demand, Wardenburg Health Center operates additional evening clinic after-hours visits for cold and flu symptoms from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday as needed. Eligibility for accessing the after-hours clinic includes:

  • Illness symptoms for five days or less
  • Cold symptoms: cough, runny nose, congestion, sore throat
  • Headache, body aches, fever, diarrhea, earache, eye redness 

To schedule a same day after-hours clinic appointment, you can call 303-492-5101 before 5 p.m. (online scheduling not available). 

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鈥檛 sure if you need urgent support.   

Find support

Medical Services 
Students can call Medical Services at 303-492-5101 or schedule themselves for a Medical Services nurse advice same-day call back through their MyCUHealth patient portal (mycuhealth.colorado.edu) 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 on campus during drop-in hours or by 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, take advantage of AcademicLiveCare. This free program allows students to schedule free online medical and mental health appointments from anywhere.