student health center

COVID-19

Home » Resources » COVID 19

COVID 19

UMW continues to monitor COVID-19 on campus. Please be mindful of symptoms, know how to isolate as needed, find testing, and practice self-care.  Protect yourself and others.

If you have a high-risk condition that puts you at risk of serious symptoms for COVID-19, please call the SHC for an appointment to be seen as soon as possible once you test positive. You likely will need medication (to help decrease viral replication).

High-risk conditions of serious symptoms for COVID-19 include:

  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Chronic lung disease – i.e. Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis
  • Heart conditions- i.e. Hypertension, heart failure, cardiomyopathies
  • Diabetes Type 1 & 2
  • Disabilities – i.e. Spinal cord injuries, birth defects, developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, ADHD, or others
  • HIV infection
  • Immune compromised condition or weakened immune system or take medication that weaken the immune system
  • Mental Health conditions – i.e. Schizophrenia, depression, mood disorders
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Sickle cell or Thalassemia
  • Pregnancy
  • Smokers, current or former
  • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
  • Substance use disorder
  • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease

Call the SHC at 540-654-1040 if you have any questions.

Isolation Recommendations

If you test positive for COVID-19, isolate for at least 5 days (with day 0 being the day your symptoms started). You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days. (Work out with your roommate ahead of time as to what your plans are if one of you tests positive.)

  • Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public.
  • Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.
  • Consider using a HEPA air purifier at home.
  • Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.
  • Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
  • Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible.
  • Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
  • Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
  • Learn more about what to do if you have COVID-19.

After completion of your isolation (on day 6) until day 11:

  • Continue to wear your mask when indoors around others at home and in public
  • Avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.
  • Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask until you are able to discontinue masking (see below)

Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations

UMW continues to strongly encourage students to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations/boosters. Please update us with your vaccinations by uploading your vaccination card to the Student Health Portal.  Instructions for upload are here. Giant will be on campus for vaccinations on 8/23, 9/19,10/25, and 11/15 at the CRUC from 10 am to 3 pm.

Symptoms to look out for with COVID-19

  • Nasal congestion, and/or sore throat, and/or Headache
  • Cough
  • Fever and/ or chills
  • Fatigue with or without activities and/or generalized weakness
  • Sudden loss of smell and/or taste
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Loss of appetite, and/or nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain
  • Discoloration of fingers and toes, hands and feet, and/or any new generalized rashes
  • Confusion, loss of balance, or localized muscle weakness

COVID-19 can feel like allergies, colds, or no symptoms at all. As recommended by the CDC, if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you have symptoms, please test right away and retest again in 48 hrs. If you do not have any symptoms, then test 5 days after exposure and retest again in 48 hrs for 2 more times. You can get COVID-19 more than once, please take precautions when with others!

Find Testing and Masks

Everyone who has any COVID symptoms, regardless of their vaccination status, should mask, and get tested. Students can contact the Student Health Center for testing. Self-tests are available to purchase in pharmacies including Walmart, CVS, or Giant pharmacy.  It is recommended that you have some self-tests accessible just in case. Note that many of the self-test use-by dates have been extended by the FDA.

Masks are still available to pick up on campus if needed at the Student Health Center and are encouraged in healthcare settings (Student Health Center, Talley Center for Counseling Services, Athletic Training room). Please use a mask if you are having symptoms.

Testing is available at the Student Health Center and locally in Fredericksburg.

If you have any symptoms, please call the Student Health Center from 8 am-5 pm for an appointment. If you need to speak to a nurse after-hours, please call the SHC at 540-654-1040 and press 2 to connect with Fonemed and a nurse will call you back to discuss your health concerns. For any emergency please call campus police at 540-654-4444.

Practice self-care if you have COVID-19

  • Rest – it is important to get adequate rest and sleep. This will keep your immune system strong.
  • Drink plenty of fluids – Viral infections are dehydrating. Drink enough so that your urine is a normal pale color.  Water, soup, fruit juice, and hot tea with lemon are good choices.
  • Take OTC (Over-the-counter) medications for symptoms if needed.
    • Tylenol or Ibuprofen to reduce fever or relieve body aches.
    • Use petroleum jelly on sore skin that may occur around your nose and/or lips from increased use of tissues.
    • A sore throat can be relieved with fluid, cough drops, or Benzocaine containing lozenges i.e. Cepacol or Chloraseptic 

*Please read and follow all instructions on OTC labels.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor or go to the ER if:

  • You have trouble breathing. (You can’t speak a full sentence.)
  • You have constant chest pain or pressure.
  • You are severely dizzy or lightheaded.
  • You are confused or can’t think clearly.
  • Your face and lips have a blue color.
  • You feel like passing out (lost consciousness) or you are having a hard time staying awake.
  • You can’t keep liquids down.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your symptoms get worse.
  • You are not getting better as expected.

Call before you go to the doctor’s office.  Follow their instructions. And wear a mask.

Student Health Center