Sick and Have a Roommate? Tips to navigate shared living spaces.
Sick and Have a Roommate?
Guidance for individuals sick with respiratory illnesses (COVID, Flu, RSV) and well roommate/suitemate(s)
Students who are sick with respiratory illnesses are encouraged to isolate off-campus. However, there are times when the only available option is for a student to remain in the same room as their healthy roommate. It’s important to remember that students living in the residence halls who become sick with many different contagious illnesses usually remain in shared rooms/suites with their roommates while recovering.
Here are some tips to help you navigate your shared living space when sick.
Both Roommates should:
1.Mask with when you are in the room together. Masks are available from Student Health Services.
2.Use fans to increase air circulation in the room.
3.Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, faucet and cabinet handles, smartphones, laptops, remote controls, etc.). We recommend having cleaning wipes on hand to disinfect surfaces.
4.If you share a bathroom, remember that sinks could be an infection source. Totes or caddies can be used for personal items, so they don’t touch the bathroom countertop; bring your tote back to your personal space rather than leaving it in a shared bathroom.
5. Each person should use their own hand or face towels.
6.If you share a sleeping space, arrange beds so that you have as much space between beds as possible. Consider sleeping facing away from one another; even sleeping in opposite directions (head to toe) could create extra distance.
7.If sharing food or drinks, use separate serving dishes or cups (e.g., rather than sticking your hand into a bag of chips, pour an individual portion into a bowl).
8. If you do come in contact with shared surfaces or items, wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
9. Do not invite any guests to your room until you are fever free, and you are feeling better.
Sick Roommate should:
1. Be sure to wear your mask if you need to access any common spaces like a hallway. Use the stairway instead of the elevator if going outside for fresh air, a medical appointment or picking up food using drive through services. Please limit the number of times you are leaving your room.
2. You are responsible for notifying your faculty of how long you will be absent from class.
3. Follow the CDC guidelines for those who are sick.
4. While you are sick you are responsible for planning how you will get your meals. Options include asking a friend/roommate to bring you food and/or using drive through services if you have access to a vehicle.
5. Contact Student Health Services for guidance on treating your symptoms. Over-the-counter medications to help manage your symptoms are available free of charge.
Well Roommate should:
1. Minimize time spent in your room—take advantage of this time to discover a new favorite study or hangout spot on campus.
2. You may still go to class and all activities.
3. Follow the CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidelines.
4. If you begin to have symptoms of a respiratory illness, influenza and COVID testing is available at Student Health Services. Home tests for COVID can be purchased at Thrifty White Drugstore in Valley City.
Support from VCSU if you are sick:
VCSU Services:
- Monitor your health needs. If your symptoms worsen, notify Student Health Services. Call 911 if emergency care is needed.
- Provide any over-the-counter medications free of charge as needed.
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Betty Tykwinski: betty.j.tykwinski@vcsu.edu; 701-845-7305
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Learning Center & Disability Services will:
- Help you if you need classroom accommodation or a tutor.
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Melissa Remick: melissa.remick@vcsu.edu 701-845-7707
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Counseling Services:
- Virtual visits are available for all students needing support.
- Will provide self-care, stress reduction and coping skills resources to students when requested.
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Kelsie Carter: Kelsie.carter@vcsu.edu; 701-845-7427
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Sara Schmuhl: sara.schmuhl@vcsu.edu; 701-845-7424