Acute Conditions (Illness, Infection, Etc.)

Upper Respiratory Infections

An upper respiratory infection (URI) is a contagious viral or bacterial illness affecting the nose, sinuses and throat.  Common symptoms include runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; cough and sneezing; and fatigue, headache, and mild fever.  Most URIs are caused by viruses like the rhinovirus, though bacteria can sometimes be responsible. For the most part, home care (rest, adequate hydration, a cool-mist humidifier and a warm salt water gargle) is the best course of action.  Over-the counter medicines (pain relievers and/or decongestants) can also help.  Antibiotics are not prescribed for standard viral URIs. Generally symptoms will subside in 7 to 10 days, though symptoms can last for up to 3 weeks.

You may be at higher risk for complications from a URI if you have certain health conditions or a compromised immune system. And, bacterial or fungal infections can cause other problems if left untreated.

If your symptoms are severe, last longer than two weeks, or come back frequently, please schedule an appointment and arrive at SHC wearing a facial mask to protect others.

• COVID-19 Information

  • COVID-19 Vaccine Information
  • What to do if you have symptoms and/or test positive
    • For those with symptoms and a positive test: stay home UNTIL fever free for 24 hours without the use of a fever reducer AND symptoms are mild AND symptoms are improving AND mask when indoors for 10 days after symptom onset (which is day zero)
    • For those without symptoms but with a positive test: stay home for 24 hours after testing positive, return to class or work as long as symptoms do not develop AND mask for 10 days.  If symptoms develop follow the guidance above.
    • Well contacts are encouraged (but not required) to mask around people who are at risk for serious COVID-19 infection (e.g., elderly, ill, immunocompromised) and test on day 5 following exposure.

Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections in college-age women, though anyone can get one. It happens when bacteria - most often E. coli from the skin around the genitals - get into the bladder. The classic signs are a burning feeling when you pee, needing to go more often or urgently, and lower belly discomfort; your urine may look cloudy or have a strong smell. Most UTIs stay in the bladder and clear quickly once treated with a short course of antibiotics, so it's worth getting checked at Student Health & Counseling (SHC) rather than waiting it out. Call or come in sooner if you develop a fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea or vomiting, or blood in your urine — these can signal a kidney infection that needs prompt care. You can lower your risk by drinking plenty of water, not holding your urine for long periods, urinating after sex, and wiping from front to back. If you get UTIs often (two or more in six months), let a clinician know, since there are extra steps that can help prevent them.

Skin Conditions (Rashes, etc.)

A rash is any area of skin that becomes red, irritated, bumpy, scaly, or itchy. Most rashes in college-age adults are harmless and clear up on their own. Common causes include contact with something that irritates the skin or triggers an allergy (such as poison ivy, nickel jewelry, new soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or fragrances), eczema, heat and sweat, insect bites, and common viral infections. For a mild, itchy rash you can often manage at home: avoid whatever seems to have triggered it, use gentle fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers, apply cool compresses or calamine lotion, and try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for itching (Weinberg and Malani, JAMA, 2024).

Come to SHC if a rash is not improving with a few days of home care, is spreading quickly, is very painful, or is oozing yellow or green fluid, warm, or streaked with red (possible signs of infection).  If a rash comes with a fever, blisters or sores around the eyes, mouth, or genitals, or if it appears suddenly with facial swelling or trouble breathing, it can signal a serious communicable infection or an allergic reaction, so be sure to contact SHC by phone to arrange a visit [we will have instructions that help to minimize risk of spread] or utilize TimelyCARE after hours for an acute medical telehealth appointment.