As cases of COVID-19, flu, RSV and strep throat are increasing heading into the fall season, Student Health is reminding faculty, staff and students of available resources for when they’re feeling sick.
Located on the Evansdale Campus in Morgantown across from the Student Recreation Center and accessible from the Towers and Engineering PRT stations, Student Health treats a variety of non-emergency health conditions and provides preventive care for all faculty, staff and students.
COVID-19, flu and RSV can be transmitted through droplets in the air. RSV and flu mainly spread when a person coughs or sneezes but can also spread when a person touches a surface that has the virus on it and then touches their face before washing their hands.
Symptoms of flu, COVID-19 and RSV usually mimic the common cold but can become a severe infection for some individuals. These symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, chills, fatigue and body aches.
Students and others experiencing mild symptoms can take an at home COVID-19 test and isolate per Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Those with severe symptoms can visit Student Health and meet with a provider for testing and treatment recommendations. As with any infectious illness, individuals exhibiting symptoms should notify professors or work supervisors as needed.
The best way to prevent becoming sick with COVID-19 or the flu is to get vaccinated. Student Health offers flu and COVID-19 vaccinations on a walk-in-basis and the vaccines can be administered together. This season’s flu shot will be available starting Monday, Sept. 18.
Students are reminded to engage in best practices to prevent illness which include washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, avoiding touching eyes, mouth and nose, covering coughs and sneezes and avoiding contact with individuals who are sick, when possible.
New students can pre-register for Student Health services before accessing care to help reduce wait times at their first visit.
Student Health is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. For after-hours care, members of the University community are encouraged to visit WVU Medicine Urgent Care located in the Student Health Building and at Suncrest Town Centre. For emergencies, J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital is open 24/7.
Students, faculty and staff located on WVU System campuses should consult with their health services office, primary care provider or urgent care locations in those areas.