Student Affairs: Steps for sick Students
1. If you have symptoms of an influenza-like illness (high fever, body aches, sore throat, cough), call UMKC Student Health & Wellness (x6133) or your regular health care provider for an appointment, particularly if you are at high-risk for complications (for example, if you have a chronic illness). Symptoms typically last 3-7 days, but once you have had the flu, you are generally immune to it.
2. Contact your Instructors by phone or e-mail (the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management can assist; contact the HelpLine at x2222 or umkc-helpline@umkc.edu): a. Let them know you are ill and will not be in class. b. Discuss how to arrange make-up of your missed coursework. c. Make sure you are aware of the absence policy for each class, especially if you are required to provide documentation of your illness from your health care provider.
3. Stay away from others: stay at home or stay in your residence hall room (if possible arrange to have a family member pick you up and take you home).
4. Primary treatment is rest, fluids, monitoring temperature, and using acetaminophen or ibuprofen for symptom relief. Health professionals recommend drinking 1-2 glasses of liquid (water, Gatorade, etc.) for every hour that you are awake. Tamiflu and other anti-viral medications are reserved for people who have a higher risk for complications (such as those with a chronic illness).
5. Remain isolated until after you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the assistance of fever-reducing medications. Please keep in mind that if you are in a clinical setting, the hospital or program may require you to stay at home at least a week even if you no longer have any symptoms. If you have questions about your program's specific requirements, contact your clinical advisor.
6. The Residence Halls have cleaning supplies to check out from the front desks so you and your roommates can disinfect and sanitize your rooms. If you need additional assistance, contact the front desk or your RA.
