It is inevitable that people will get sick in college. However, you’re not with your parents and have to handle being sick on your own. The Concordiensis has compiled this guide to help you when you get sick on campus.
“The first thing when you’re feeling sick is to call and make an appointment to be seen here at Wicker because we can test for certain things like strep or flu,” Angela Stefanatos, the Wicker Wellness Center’s Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner, said. “We can give you things to manage your symptoms, even if it’s a viral illness and doesn’t need an antibiotic.”
“I suggest that you call to make the appointment as opposed to walking over to Wicker,” Stefanatos continued. “Because if there isn’t an appointment available, you have to sit in the waiting room and you may have to wait a while. At the end of the appointment, we’ll discuss any follow up that’s needed.”
Students must call 518-388-6120 to make an appointment. If it is after hours, students can contact FoneMed at 888-409-1063 to inquire about their medical options around campus. In addition, students can schedule appointments within a 6 block radius of campus and be transported to them by campus safety. The phone number for campus safety is 518-388-6911.
The wellness center does not charge for visits, but they do charge a $30 no show fee and for tests or medications from their laboratory. The costs for tests and medications vary, but can be found in exam rooms at the wellness center.
In addition, there are a variety of over the counter medications available at the bookstore in Reamer, such as NyQuil and Robitussin. There is also a CVS Pharmacy on State Street, a few blocks away from campus, where there are more over the counter medications available.
If you have to miss classes, you should contact your professors about missed work and how to make it up. “[Wicker Wellness Center Staff] do not give notes, and that’s part of how we’re trying to teach you how to navigate health care for yourself,” Stefanatos explained. “We still do notifications if a student has COVID because they have to isolate, but we don’t tell the professors that you have COVID. We just say you’re out for a certain number of days. Sometimes if it’s the flu with a high fever, we’ll send a notice saying the student is out until their symptoms improve. But those are the only times we do any kind of notification for that.”
Four years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are also still guidelines in place for students who contract the virus. “The CDC has not changed their guidelines, so it’s still five days of isolation. Your first day of symptoms, or the day you test positive, is day zero. You’re finished with isolation at 11:59 PM on that sixth day, technically midnight the next day,” Stefanatos said.
“You’re expected to wear a mask for the five days after that, and you are no longer required to be quarantined for being exposed,” Stefanatos continued. “You no longer are sent to an isolated place. You treat your roommate as your family as you would in your home if you were home with your parents.”
In general, “There is not a mask mandate, but it is a request to wear a mask if you’re not feeling well,” Stefanatos said.
If anyone in your living space is sick, there are still measures you can take to prevent illness from spreading. The New York State department of Health recommends that you wash your hands with soap and water, and disinfect surfaces around your living space. One way to disinfect surfaces is to mix 1 gallon of water with ¼ cup of bleach and use a towel to clean switches, handles, countertops, and other surfaces that you frequently use. In addition, avoid sharing anything from school supplies to towels.
The Concordiensis wishes that anyone who is currently sick feels better in a timely manner. Stay healthy and safe, Garnet Chargers!
