General Health Care

For the most current information about COVID protocols, including masking, testing, and vaccination information, please check https://www.colum.edu/backtogether/index.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. When a tissue is not available, cover coughs or sneezes using your elbow or your shoulder instead of your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Frequently clean your living quarters. If you live together with other students, you should frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, counter tops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas.
• Plan to monitor your health by checking for fever and other symptoms of flu.
• Talk with your health care provider if you are at higher risk for complications from flu.
• Update emergency contact lists.

We also recommended purchasing these items now,
to care for yourself in the event that you become ill:

DIET
Gatorade, Broth, Juice, Popsicles	Crackers, Rice, Bread
SUPPLIES
Inexpensive thermometer, Tissues, Germ Wipes, Face Mask
FOR FEVER
Acetaminophen 325mg -- 25 tablets -- $5.00 or Ibuprofen 200mg -- 25 tablets -- $5.00
FOR COUGH
Robitussin DM -- 1 bottle, or Generic Tussin DM -- 8 oz. bottle $8 - $9	Mucinex DM regular -- box of 14, or Mucinex DM maximum -- box of 14 $10 - $12
FOR CONGESTION
Sudafed from pharmacist -- 30mg tablets -- $8.00

For more information, visit: www.flu.gov

Contact CDC 24 Hours / Every Day:

• 1 (800) CDC-INFO (232-4636)
• TTY:(888) 232-6348
• cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Symptoms of flu include fever or chills AND cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headaches, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
A fever is a temperature (by thermometer) that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. You may have a fever if you feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or you are sweating or shivering.

If you feel any of these symptoms, you will need to take the following actions:

• Plan to self-isolate (stay away from others) in your residence hall room or apartment for at least 24 hours after your fever has passed WITHOUT the use of fever-reducing medicine. Do not go to work or school in person, and avoid public transportation while ill. The only exception to this would be for medical care or other necessities.
• Wear a mask when interacting with others.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if you sneeze or cough. Immediately throw away used tissue, and immediately clean hands after each sneeze or cough.
• Get plenty of rest. Drink clear fluids to keep from getting dehydrated.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve then return with fever and worse cough