Self-Care Instructions

• Allergies are a common disorder of the respiratory system. 
• Allergies are also commonly referred to as Hay Fever.
• Symptoms may be caused by indoor or outdoor allergens and often vary from season to season. 
• Common allergens include pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander. 

Symptoms include: 

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itching 
• Itchy and/or watery eyes

Self-care measures:

• Use oral histamines (Chlorphen*) for runny nose, itching, and sneezing.
• Use a product with a decongestant (Phenylephrine**) for nasal congestion.
• Avoid known allergens. Stay indoors on dry, windy days. 
• Remove clothes that are worn outside and shower to remove pollen from hair and skin.
• Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry. 
• Keep your room clean and dust free.

When to seek medical attention:

If you are having signs of a severe allergic reaction report to the nearest ED or call Campus Police. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, or rapid or weak pulse. 

If self-care is not providing symptom relief within 3 days, please come to Health Services for evaluation.

Items with one asterisk (*) are available at the Self-Care Cabinet. Items with two asterisks (**) are available after being evaluated by a nurse in Health Services.  

• Respiratory tract infections are most often caused by viruses. 
• Often last for 10-12 days.
• Coughs related to these infections can be subacute and last 3-4 weeks. 
• Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections. 
• Symptoms develop slowly over 2-4 days.

Symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Fever up to 102° Fahrenheit
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Watery eyes

Self-Care measures:

• Rest.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluid.
• Use saline nose drops to loosen mucus as needed.
• Use Ibuprofen 400 mg* every 6-8 hours or Acetaminophen 650 mg* every 6 hours to reduce fever and discomfort.
• Use oral decongestants like Phenylephrine** for nasal congestion.
• Use Multi-Symptoms Cold Relief** tablets. 
• Gargle with warm salt water.
• Use throat lozenges** and spray for throat pain.
• Use a humidifier. 

Tips to limit spread to others:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. 
• Cover your coughs and sneezes by using the crook of your elbow. 
• Distance yourself from others when you are ill. 
• Mask in public when you are ill.

When to seek medical attention:

• Fever over 100° Fahrenheit for more than 24 hours. 
• For symptoms that last over 3 days and are getting worse instead of improving. 
• Shortness of breath or wheezing. 
• Pain or pressure in your chest. 
• Severe sinus pain.
• Very swollen glands in the neck or jaw.
• Significant sore throat lasting more than 1 week.

Items with one asterisk (*) are available at the Self-Care Cabinet. Items with two asterisks (**) are available after being evaluated by a nurse in Health Services.  

• A cough is most often presented by viruses in adults.
• A cough may be present with other symptoms or a respiratory tract infection (Common Cold) such as fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion. 
• Coughs are most often due to a virus with symptoms usually lasting 7-14 days. 
• Some coughs may last 3-4 weeks.

Symptoms include:

• Cough that may produce mucus – mucus may be clear, white, yellowish-gray, or green
• Other symptoms of the Common Cold include nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat
• Fatigue 

Self-Care measures:

• Rest.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. 
• Avoid cigarette smoke. 
• Use a humidifier. 
• Use over the counter cough medications containing Dextromethorphan** and/or Guaifenesin**.
• Use cough drops* as needed to help control a frequent cough for soothing relief.
• Use self-care guidelines for symptoms of an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection as needed.

Tips to limit the spread to others:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. 
• Cover your coughs and sneezes by using the crook of your elbow. 
• Distance yourself from others when you are ill. 
• Mask in public when you are ill.
• If you have a fever, stay home (or in your residence hall) and away from others until you’re fever-free for more than 24 hours. 

When to seek medical attention:

• If your cough lasts more than 1 week. 
• If your cough prevents you from sleeping. 
• Chest pain.
• If your cough produces blood (more than streaks in mucus).
• For wheezing or shortness of breath.
• Fever. 

Items with one asterisk (*) are available at the Self-Care Cabinet. Items with two asterisks (**) are available after being evaluated by a nurse in Health Services.  

A fever is when a person’s body temperature rises above the normal range. Normal body temperature for adults is 97.6°F to 99.9°F. Adults with a temperature over 101.0°F would be described as having a fever. A fever is an important way for your body to fight infection. Causes of fever include viruses, bacterial infections, exposure to heat/sun, and other conditions.

Symptoms include:

• Hot and cold chills
• Sweating
• Shivering
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Weakness

Self-Care measures:

• Rest. 
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. 
• Use Ibuprofen 400 mg* every 6-8 hours or Acetaminophen 650 mg* every 6 hours to reduce fever and discomfort.
• Monitor temperature. Disposable thermometers* are available in the Self-Care Cabinet if you do not have access to one.

Tips to limit the spread to others:

• If you have a fever, stay home (or in your residence hall) and away from others until you’re fever-free for more than 24 hours. 
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

When to seek medical attention:

• See a nurse in Health Services if your fever lasts more than 24 hours. 
• Confusion or disorientation. 
• Severe or persistent vomiting. 
• Severe headache. 
• Unusual skin rash or abnormalities. 
• Sensitivity to light. 
• Seizure.
• Abdominal pain. 
• Pain when urinating. 

Items with one asterisk (*) are available at the Self-Care Cabinet. Items with two asterisks (**) are available after being evaluated by a nurse in Health Services.  

• Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. 
• One common misconception is that influenza is a primary exhibited by vomiting and diarrhea. This is not the primary cause of the virus. 
• The illness may have severe symptoms, usually lasting 3-4 days and returning to normal within 2 weeks.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden or rapid onset
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fever or feeling feverish with chills
• Cough

Self-Care measures:

• Rest.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluid.
• Use saline nose drops to loosen mucus as needed.
• Use Ibuprofen 400 mg* every 6-8 hours or Acetaminophen 650 mg* every 6 hours to reduce fever and discomfort.
• Use oral decongestants like Phenylephrine** for short-term relief of nasal congestion.
• Gargle with warm salt water.
• Use throat lozenges** and spray for throat pain.
• Use heated, humidified air – if you do not have a humidifier, try taking a hot shower or putting a bowl of hot water near your heating source in your room. 
• Monitor your temperature. Disposable thermometers* are available in the Self-Care Cabinet if you do not have access to one.

Tips to limit the spread to others:

• Stay away from others until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours – your temperature should be less than 100.0°F without medication.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. 
• Cover your coughs and sneezes by using the crook of your elbow. 
• Distance yourself from others when you are ill. 
• Mask in public when you are ill.
• Getting your flu vaccine is the best form of prevention.

When to seek medical attention:

• If you are at high risk for complications – such as pregnancy, immunocompromised, chronic medical conditions, or morbidly obese. 
• Having a fever over 100.0°F that lasts for more than 24 hours. 
• For symptoms that last over 10 days and get worse rather than improving. 
• Shortness of breath. 
• Confusion or disorientation.
• Severe or persistent vomiting.
• Pain or pressure in your chest. 
• Severe sinus pain. 
• Very swollen glands in the neck or jaw. 

Health Services does not provide influenza testing on-site. We can order off-site testing for students.

Items with one asterisk (*) are available at the Self-Care Cabinet. Items with two asterisks (**) are available after being evaluated by a nurse in Health Services.  

• Nausea and vomiting are mostly caused by a viral infection and may be associated with diarrhea. 
• Many people find improvement within 24 hours and are back to normal within 72 hours after the onset of the illness.

Symptoms include:

• Nausea with or without vomiting 
• Generalized or upper abdominal pain and cramping
• Watery diarrhea – without blood
• Muscle aches
• Headache 
• Possible fever 

Self-Care measures:

• Limit eating solid foods. 
• Rest. 
• Suck on ice chips or sip small amounts of water on a frequent basis.
• If you vomit, wait 20 minutes before resuming fluid intake. 
• Slowly increase the amount of fluid intake you consume. 
• Water or clear sports drinks with electrolytes are acceptable.
•  Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
• Acetaminophen 650 mg* every 6 hours as needed for fever, chills, headache, or body aches. 
• Use an anti-diarrheal** for diarrhea lasting more than 2 days. 
• Bismuth tablets* for indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, or heartburn. Read specific directions for use. 

Tips to limit the spread to others:

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. 
• Stay at home or in your residence hall for at least the first 24 hours. 

Recovery:

• You may try solid food when:
  • Nausea and vomiting have resolved.
  • You are tolerating fluids. 
  • You feel hungry. 

When you do eat:

• Start with small amounts of simple, bland foods – crackers, toast, plain noodles, rice, etc. 
• Over the next 24-36 hours slowly build up to your normal diet. 
•  Add dairy, high-fat foods, raw vegetables, citrus and red meat last. 

When to seek medical attention:

• If vomiting persists more than 24 hours.
• If you develop bloody diarrhea. 
• If you have obvious pain or tenderness isolated to the right lower abdomen. 
• If you feel lightheaded or faint.

Items with one asterisk (*) are available at the Self-Care Cabinet. Items with two asterisks (**) are available after being evaluated by a nurse in Health Services. 

• A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system – your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. 
• Most infections involve the lower urinary tract – the bladder and the urethra.
• Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men are. 
• Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and irritating. 
• However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.

Symptoms include:

• Pain, burning, or stinging during urination
• Urgency 
• Increased frequency
• Cloudy, bloody, or discolored urine
• Strong, pungent odor to urine
• Cramping, pressure, or pain around the bladder or pelvis region
• Lower back pain

Self-Care measures:

• Drink lots of water and cranberry juice – not cranberry juice cocktail, as this is primarily sugar
• Try over the counter medication such as AZO**

Prevention measures:

• Wipe from front to back after toileting.
• Empty bladder completely and urinate when the urge arises.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing.
• Urinate after intercourse.

When to seek medical attention:

• Symptoms that last for more than 24-48 hours.
• Continued discomfort and symptoms following self-care measures.

Health Services can provide urine dipstick testing for UTI diagnosis and treatment often requires an antibiotic.

Items with one asterisk (*) are available at the Self-Care Cabinet. Items with two asterisks (**) are available after being evaluated by a nurse in Health Services.