Tips for college students to cut the risks of getting coronavirus
If you’re a college student, COVID-19 has stolen the school experience you long wanted. At least for this fall, and probably for next spring, too. But consider this: Odds are high you’ve still got your health. Yet COVID-19 can steal that away from you, too — and you need to take that risk seriously.
Here are some ways to reduce the risks.
1. Quarantining
If you travel from your home state to a different state for college, you probably will have to quarantine because the college and state will require it. So think ahead: Have you figured out where to buy, order or have food and groceries delivered? Do you know which pharmacies deliver medications? Do you have a good internet connection for schoolwork and for virtually connecting with friends and family?
2. Testing
Some schools require all students — even those who are not approved to be on campus — to get tested when they arrive and periodically thereafter. Check with your school about its internal arrangements for student testing, through student health services or other vendors. Some cities also have a variety of citysponsored testing locations, many of them free.
3. Positive result
If you test positive, you may get a call from a contact tracer working for the city’s health department. It is important that you cooperate with the tracer and describe all those with whom you have come in contact with before testing positive. Most universities would like to know whether you test positive even if you don’t live on campus or come to campus for classes. Find out what the reporting methods are for your school, and help out by disclosing your test results.
4. Self-isolation
If you tested positive or are sick with COVID-19, you will be asked to self-isolate. This can be hard, especially if you live with housemates. Isolation is more restrictive than quarantine. You will need to stay in your room for 10 days after a positive test, eat in your room, try to avoid sharing a bathroom with others and not go out for anything, except medical care. Your roommates may have to quarantine and monitor themselves for symptoms. Talk to your housemates about this possibility ahead of time so everyone’s expectations are aligned. Consider designating a “sick room” in your home, should somebody test positive, especially if it has its own separate bathroom.
5. General care
Decide where you will get your routine medical care as soon as possible. Student health centers are great options at many universities. Some students prefer to have a private primary care doctor. Either way, make sure you know who to turn to should you feel sick. Set that up before coming to town, so you don’t have to scramble when you are feeling awful. See that your vaccines are up to date, and plan on getting the flu vaccine as soon as it is available. Many schools will provide flu shots to students, even for those who don’t live on campus.
6. Home supplies
It would be a good idea to have a working thermometer so you can check yourself for a fever, one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Make sure you have enough soap and plenty of sanitizing gels, wipes or sprays so you can regularly clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home. Make sure you have more than one cloth mask, as those need to be washed often, may rip and tear, or disappear.
7. Social life
It is a good idea to create “pods,” or small groups of friends with whom you mostly hang out. This will allow you to avoid exposure to the virus that can occur when mingling with a large number of people, who may be carrying the virus even if they don’t have symptoms. Bars are considered hot spots, so avoid them. If you want to eat out, find restaurants that allow outdoor seating and where the tables are well separated. Don’t share food or any eating or drinking utensils, even at home. Avoid large gatherings (generally no more than 10 people indoors or 25 outdoors, depending on your city’s and university’s policies), and skip the parties.
8. Exercise
University gyms and sports centers in many places may be closed, but some fitness centers will be open. The safest option is to find alternatives, such as working out at home or outdoors. If you decide to go to a fitness center, be vigilant about following good public health practices: Wear a mask at all times, wash your hands frequently, keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others and don’t share any personal items. Bring your own sanitizing wipes and use them on any surfaces you intend to use that are frequently touched by others, such as doorknobs, free weights, exercise equipment and cardio machines. Avoid the locker room. Save the shower for home. Bring your own water bottle.