Sick for the first time in college? Rough, but there are definitely some easy things you can do. For one, surrender to your body and take some time off. If you are super sick, email your professor and ask if you can miss a class or get an extension. If you are only sort of sick, then why not take a few nights off? It’s easy to fall behind so don’t feel bad for taking a night off the gym or rescheduling a meeting. Taking a weekend off gives you plenty of time to heal; trying to go out will exhaust yourself and make your friends sick too.
Make sure you drink fluids! Water, tea, sports drinks and juice are the best options. The dining hall will even make you a sick tray! Just have a friend or roommate bring your ID to the manager. You can find out all about sick trays here. Eating some healthy foods will make you feel better faster. Try foods high in proteins, vitamin C and vitamin B6; rumor has it they boost recovery time and give you extra energy.
If your symptoms last for more than 48 hours or if you have a fever or are vomiting, make sure you get some medical attention. The Campus Care facility is located in Hudson Health Center, which is on North Campus across from College Green and in front of Robert Glidden Hall and is open for all students. Campus Care is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The building is closed, however, on Saturdays.
If Campus Care isn’t your option, there are several other Athens medical centers: University Medical Associates Express Care located on 265 W. Union St., O’Bleness Memorial Hospital on 55 Hospital Drive or Holzer Clinic on 2131 E. State St. They are all 15 minutes away or less.
If you are looking for some cold or flu medicine, it is available in every dining hall market, and you can use your Bobcat Cash or your flex meal plan as payment. Hudson also sells some medicines, and CVS Pharmacy is located on Court Street near College Bookstore.
Last but not least, avoid stress. Professors, friends, advisers, employers and everyone else will understand that sometimes you need a break. Make sure you know that too. Take an extra nap, drink some tea, have a nice hot shower and don’t over book yourself. Soon you’ll be in tip-top shape.
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For more information, or if you need to see a doctor:
Campus Care: 740-593-1660
UMA Express Care: 740-594-2456
O’Bleness Memorial Hospital: 740-593-5551
Holzer Clinic, Athens: 740-589-3120