Student Health Service and COVID-19

The University's COVID-19 Response

• I have been diagnosed with COVID-19 OR I am waiting for test results OR I am concerned I might have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?

  If you feel healthy but, recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19: 

  • Complete the Student Health Service COVID-19 Self Report Form
  • Student Health staff may contact you for further information 
  • Stay home until 14 days after your last exposure
  • Check your temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms of COVID-19
  • If possible, stay away from people who are at higher-risk for getting very sick from COVID-19
  • Review the Student Health self-quarantine guidelines

   

  If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 OR are waiting for test results:

  • Complete the Student Health Service COVID-19 Self Report Form
  • Student Health staff may contact you for further information 
  • Stay home until it’s safe to end home isolation
  • If you live with others, stay in a specific “sick room” or area and away from other people or animals, including pets. Use a separate bathroom, if available
  • Read important information about caring for yourself or someone else who is sick
  • Review the Student Health self-isolation guidelines

• How do I report a positive case of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19 to Student Health?

  To report a positive case of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19, please complete the Student Health Service COVID-19 Self Report Form. You can complete the form on behalf of yourself or someone else. 

  If you require urgent clinical assistance, please call Student Health at 305-284-9100. For any other non-urgent issues, email Student Health at studenthealth@miami.edu. 

• I want to get tested for COVID-19. What do I do?

  How to get a viral test (for current infection): COVID-19 viral testing is available at the Coral Gables Student Testing site. More detailed directions to the testing site and parking instructions can be found here.  To schedule a testing appointment:     

  1. Log onto mystudenthealth.miami.edu and select the ‘Appointment’ tab on the top of the screen (top right on mobile devices).
  2. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, select “COVID-19 Test- WITH SYMPTOMS” for appointment reason. If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, select “COVID-19 Test- NO SYMPTOMS.”
  3. Click “Submit”
  4. Use the calendar to click on the days that are convenient for you. Available times for your selected appointment will be displayed to the right of the calendar. Schedule your appointment by clicking on the appointment time of your choice.

  Drive through and at-home testing options are available in South Florida. Please note that most sites require an appointment and have specific testing criteria. All positive test results should be reported to Student Health. 

  Click on the links below for more details:

  • Miami-Dade County Testing Locations
  • Broward County Testing Locations
  • Monroe County Testing Locations
  • Palm Beach County Testing Locations

   

  How to self-administer your COVID-19 test: 

   

  How to get an antibody test (for past infection): Antibody tests are becoming more available and studies are underway to determine their accuracy. For updated information about antibody testing, contact us at studenthealth@miami.edu.

• How do I provide my COVID-19 test results if I was tested off campus?

  To upload your COVID-19 test results to the Student Health portal, please follow these instructions: 

  How to Upload COVID-19 Test Results

• When should I seek medical care?

  If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and would like to consult a healthcare provider, you can schedule a telehealth appointment at mystudenthealth.miami.edu. 

  The CDC has created a Coronavirus Self-Checker to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. This system is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 and does not replace the judgment of healthcare professionals or the performance of any clinical assessment. Apple has created a similar screening tool.

  People at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. Older adults and people of any age with certain underlying  medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

  If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face

  *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. 

  Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

• How do I know if I am at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19?

  People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. The CDC lists on their website medical conditions that lead to an increased risk for severe illness and conditions that might be at an increased risk for severe illness.

  If you are unsure, consult with a healthcare provider for guidance. Please also review the CDC’s website for information on reducing your risk of getting COVID-19 and actions you can take based on your medical conditions and other risk factors. 

• What is the difference between self-quarantine and self-isolation?

  Quarantine

  Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, and monitor their health. 

  Isolation

  Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19 and those with no symptoms) from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available).

   

• How do I self-quarantine?

  Stay home and monitor your health

  • Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19
  • Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
  • If possible, stay away others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19

  Review the CDC guidelines on self-quarantine and the Student Health guidelines on self-quarantine.

• How do I self-isolate?

  Stay home except to get medical care

  • Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately
  • Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible
  • Use a separate bathroom, if possible
  • Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets
  • Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils
  • Wear a cloth face covering when around other people

   

  Review the CDC guidelines on self-isolation and the Student Health guidelines on self-isolation.

• How does COVID-19 spread?

  The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

  The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people. In general, the more closely a person interacts with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.

  It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about how this virus spreads.

• What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

  People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

  Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

  This list is not all possible symptoms. 

• How do I prevent COVID-19?

  The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends:

  • Wash your hands often
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact
    • Inside your home: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
      • If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
    • Outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
      • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
      • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
      • Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
    • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
    • The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
    • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
      • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
    • Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.
    • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
    • If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
    • Throw used tissues in the trash.
    • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Clean and disinfect
    • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
    • If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
    • Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.
  • Monitor your health daily 
    • Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
      • Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
    • Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
      • Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
    • Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

• What is the treatment for COVID-19?

  People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection.

  If you have questions regarding your symptoms, you may schedule a telehealth appointment at mystudenthealth.miami.edu. 

• Should I wear a face mask?

  Follow University guidance regarding the use of face masks as part of the "Protecting personal space" pillar.  

  The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is NOT a substitute for social distancing. 

  For more information, review the CDC's recommendations and guidelines for cloth face coverings. 

• What does social distancing mean?

  Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home.

  To practice social or physical distancing stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.

  Social distancing applies even if you are young and do not have any symptoms. Those who have no symptoms can still transmit the virus to somene else who is at risk of experiencing serious symptoms. Everyone has a role to play to reduce and slow the transmission of COVID-19 and protect those around us. 

  We strongly encourage all members of the University of Miami community to truly practice social distancing. Review the CDC's website for more information on social distancing and how to protect yourself when leaving the home.