The Health Service will be open for patient care starting March 16, 2020.
While traditional services will continue, there are some changes in business practices in light of the threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and our continued efforts to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus for all students using Health Services.
Licensed staff will be screening everyone that visits upon entering the building. We will be asking questions and directing you to specific areas of the department, depending on the reason for the visit.
In light of our work to keep our university community as safe and healthy as possible, we ask for your patience. Because of these changes of procedure, students visiting the Health Service may see longer wait times, changes to the waiting area, and a different process for check-in and departure from the facility.
Important: To help us to protect you and the university community, if you are feeling ill, please call in advance to alert us of your symptoms so that we can direct you on next steps. Please call 724-357-2550 and ask to talk to a nurse.
Steps to protect yourself and others from coronavirus and infectious diseases:
Avoid large crowds and public places.
If you do go out, cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue, elbow, or sleeve, then wash or sanitize your hands.
Avoid touching frequently touched objects such as railings, counters, ATMs, shopping cart handles, money, door handles, public bathroom faucets, light switches, keyboards, telephones, pens, chair rails, etc. But, if you do, please wash or sanitize your hands immediately afterwards.
Avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes.
Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and eat well (your body can fight off infection itself when its strong and healthy).
What do to if you are feeling ill:
Please call the Health Service at 724-357-2550 and ask to talk with a nurse about your symptoms and what you need to do.
If you have a fever over 100.4, take over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin). If you do not have a thermometer, Health Service can give you disposable one. Acetaminophen dose: 650mg every four hours for fever; ibuprofen dose: 200mg-400mg every six hours for fever.
Disinfect commonly touched items in your home and things that you use frequently, like your laptop keyboard and cell phone.
If you are feeling well, it is not recommended that you wear a face mask.
Currently, there is no specific medication that treats coronavirus. If you have been exposed to or have travel history to an area with outbreaks of coronavirus and you have symptoms, call the Health Service or the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Department of Health at 1-877-724-3258. If your symptoms are minor, you will be asked to self-quarantine and treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, decongestants, or cough medication.
Call 9-1-1 and go to the emergency room if you are experiencing more severe symptoms such as:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to wake
Severe weakness or unsteadiness
Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
Worsening of chronic medical conditions
The Health Service is here to help assist the IUP community with any questions or concerns they have regarding their health. We urge you to call or email your questions to 724-357-2550 or health-inquiry@iup.edu. Please take every measure to stay healthy.