COVID and its evolving variations contiinue to keep us on alert and, oftentimes, wondering what to do. Here are the latest tips from your Student Health Services:
- We’ve been sharing a COVID-19 testing options webpage we developed if students have questions about COVID testing. More than COVID-19 is currently causing illnesses (influenza, RSV, and strep throat cause similar symptoms), so getting tested at Student Health Services means the clinic will look at what else besides COVID could be causing the symptoms.
- Currently, the University is sharing the following information for students or staff who test positive (the isolation/quarantine times follow state rather than federal guidelines, so this may change): https://mankato.mnsu.edu/coronavirus/safety-measures/covid-19-notification-processes/. Since the information can change quickly, referring students to the University webpage is typically the most helpful.
- Students should have self-care supplies on hand to help manage symptoms: Gatorade-type beverages, a thermometer, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen to help with headaches, body aches, fever, etc.
- To stay healthy? Get vaccinated. Get boosted. Wear a mask over your mouth AND nose when indoors to protect yourself and others. Get adequate sleep—that’s an important part of overall health that often gets sacrificed by college students.
- Rapid test kits are sometimes available to purchase at local pharmacies, and the University has made some rapid tests available for free in certain circumstances. A free saliva self-test is available at the Mankato Armory or through the MN Dept of Health. The saliva test kits are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, considered the most accurate tests for detecting the virus that causes COVID-19. It checks whether you have COVID-19 right now and can spread it to others. The challenge for some is the time spent waiting for results. And the high demand for the PCR tests may slow down getting results.
- If you’re sick, whether it’s COVID or not, stay home. This recommendation was given before COVID-19 and is still relevant today.
