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Public Health Advisory

COVID FAQs

FAU SHS is committed to the health and wellness of FAU students, staff and faculty. We are working closely with the university to monitor the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

  • Individuals with COVID-19 have a wide array of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms may include:
    • Fever (temperature at or above 100.4°F) or chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea
  • If you are experiencing symptoms:
    • You must report this to FAU SHS. Please call FAU SHS at 561-297-3512 (select Option 4) to speak with a member of the contact tracking team.
    • Note: Patients may experience longer than usual wait times when selecting Option 3 to speak to the after-hours nurse line. If you experience difficulty connecting with the after-hours service, please follow this link to the Contact Us Form on the Student Health Services website.
    • If you are fully vaccinated and experiencing symptoms, you must still report this to FAU SHS as above.
    • Please cooperate with any contact you may receive from your county health department.
  • If you know or suspect that you may have been exposed to a person positive for COVID (even if you are not experiencing symptoms):
    • You must report this to FAU SHS. Please call FAU SHS at 561-297-3512 (select Option 4) to speak with a member of the contact tracking team.
    • Notice: patients may experience longer than usual wait times when selecting Option 3 to speak to the after hours nurse line. If you experience difficulty connecting with the afterhours service, please follow this link to the Contact Us Form on the Student Health Services website.
    • If you are fully vaccinated and have been exposed, you must still report this to FAU SHS as above.
    • Please cooperate with any contact you may receive from your county health department.

 

Where can I get medical care?

  • FAU SHS offers COVID visits for students, faculty and staff in our Respiratory Illness clinics.  Call FAU SHS at 561-297-3512 (select Option 4): See our hours here.
  • FAU SHS also offers an after-hours nurse access line for additional medical concerns outside of regular business hours. Call 561-297-3512 and press option 3.
  • Notice: patients may experience longer than usual wait times when selecting Option 3 to speak to the after hours nurse line. If you experience difficulty connecting with the afterhours service, please follow this link to the Contact Us Form on the Student Health Services website.
  • When to seek emergency care?

 

What do I do if I am sick?

 

What is isolation?

  • Isolation separates an individual who has had a positive COVID test or has symptoms concerning for COVID from people who are not sick. Isolation typically lasts at least 10 days.
  • Isolation requires that the person with COVID-19 stay away from others as much as possible for the entire isolation period.
    • Stay home unless you are seeking medical care.
    • This may require others to bring you food and beverages (if you are a housing student, this can be arranged through your meal plan).
    • If you are in shared housing, it is best to avoid shared living spaces and to wipe down all high touch areas with sanitizing wipes. Use a separate bathroom if possible.
    • If you must enter shared spaces, wear a mask the whole time (do not eat in shared spaces).
    • Avoid contact with all other household members and pets.

 

What is quarantine?

  • Self-quarantine is a way for individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19 through close contact with an infected individual to limit their contact with others for a period of time to determine whether they have COVID-19.
  • Quarantine can feel inconvenient and challenging but your adherence will help keep the FAU campus and community safe.
  • If you are fully vaccinated and are exposed to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, you should obtain a COVID PCR test 3-5 days after exposure. Make sure to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until you receive a negative test result. You do not need to quarantine.
  • Duration of Quarantine: Quarantine typically lasts 14 days, however it is possible to discontinue quarantine earlier. If you are eligible for a shorter quarantine, you will still need to monitor your temperature and symptoms for the full 14 days AND respond to the daily symptom check email or text that you will be receiving from the contact tracking team. SHS will review all of these options with you if you are in quarantine. However, please note that FAU SHS is encouraging most staff/students to proceed with the early release after 10 days unless there is a very high-risk exposure.
    • Test Based Clearance: You can get a COVID-19 PCR test on day 6 or later and if you receive a negative test, your quarantine can end after completion of day 7, with earliest possible clearance on day 8. You will need to submit your negative test result to FAU SHS for review.
    • Early Release: Quarantine can end after completion of day 10 if you have not had any symptoms.
    • Traditional Quarantine: You can remain in quarantine for the full 14 days. This is the safest option.

 

What is the difference in ending quarantine on day 8-10 or day 14?

  • The difference is that you would increase the risk of transmitting COVID to the people around you by 10%. Said another way, 1 in 10 individuals who end their quarantine EARLY will turn positive for COVID up to day 14. Therefore, it is so important to continue to monitor symptoms even if you end your quarantine early.

 

I was diagnosed with influenza/flu. Is it possible that I also have COVID?

  • Yes, co-infections (meaning infection with two or more organisms) is possible. If you are influenza/flu positive, we would recommend that you get a COVID PCR test. If your COVID test is negative, you do not need to isolate for a full 10 days. You should remain in isolation until your symptoms have improved and you do not have a fever. Please call FAU SHS so that we can guide you further.

 

Can I get a note for school/work?

  • FAU Student Health Services does not routinely provide excuse notes for missed classes or work. You can share your isolation or quarantine email issued by SHS with your professor and/or supervisor in order to show that you have contacted SHS and are being followed in accordance with FAU policy. If you need to make an appointment for a visit with a medical provider at any clinic location, call (561) 297-3512.

 

How do I get to the SHS back entrance I was asked to use?

  • https://fau.edu/shs/back.php
  • Please only use this entrance if you were asked to when you made your appointment.
  • The link includes maps and pictures for Boca, Davie, and Jupiter campuses. 
 Last Modified 10/8/21