As the semester gets off to its start and we begin to settle into a routine, it is very important to keep in mind some basic tips for taking care of yourself through the semester. These include activities to help you stay focused, healthy, and engaged with campus life. Keep reading for tips on practicing good hygiene, taking care of yourself, and what to do if you are sick.

Good Hygiene Tips

You may have noticed fliers posted around campus with tips on stopping the spread of germs, such as covering your cough/sneeze, washing your hands with soap and water, and using hand sanitizer (which is available at several locations across campus). 

Taking Care of Yourself

Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water, and reduce your stress level.  Visit the MindBody Connection for stress relieving tips or plan time for a workout at Swinney Recreation Center.

 What To Do If You Feel Sick

If you have a fever or flu-like symptoms, call UMKC Student Health and Wellness (816.235.6133) or your regular health care provider for an appointment to assess your illness. 

• Stay home and limit your interaction with other people until after you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. 
• Primary treatment is rest, fluids (1-2 glasses of liquid for every hour you are awake), monitoring temperature, and using acetaminophen or ibuprofen for symptom relief.  Please keep in mind that Tamiflu or other anti-viral medications may be reserved for people who have a higher risk for complications (such as those with a chronic illness). 
• If you live on campus, alert your Resident Assistant and if possible have a parent or other family member take you home while you recuperate.  Roommates and suitemates can check-out disinfectant cleaning supplies from the front desk to clean their living areas and bathrooms.
• Contact your instructors immediately to alert them you are sick and will be missing class.  Discuss arrangements to make-up your missed coursework and clarify the absence policy—instructors may require a note from your health care provider to confirm illness or verify you are well enough to return to class.  The UMKC HelpLine can assist in contacting your professors on your behalf to alert them of your illness.  Contact the HelpLine at 816.235.2222 or umkc-helpline@umkc.edu.

As always, the health and safety of our University community is our primary concern.  If someone is not feeling well, and they are experiencing fever and flu-like symptoms, encourage them to stay at home and to seek medical attention for assessment.  Further information about UMKC Student Health and Wellness can be found at:  http://www.umkc.edu/studenthealth/ or call 816-235-6133.