The Health Service will remain open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; but, for the health and safety of patients and those treating you, we are no longer taking walk-in visits.
This change in business practices follows national and state guidelines in light of the threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and continued efforts to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus for all students using the Health Service.
Anyone requiring medical care or anyone with questions should call and schedule an appointment before going to the Health Service. Persons should call 724-357-2550 and ask to talk with a nurse.
Licensed staff will be screening everyone upon entering the building. If you have a scheduled appointment and begin to experience symptoms of coronavirus, please call 724-357-2550 prior to coming to your appointment.
Steps to protect yourself and others from coronavirus and infectious diseases include:
- 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, and chair rails. If you must touch these items, 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 better when it's strong and healthy.
What to do 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 100.0, take over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) according to package directions. If you do not have a thermometer, Health Service can give you a disposable one.
- Disinfect commonly touched items in your home and things that you use frequently, like your laptop keyboard and cell phone.
Currently, there is no specific medication to treat coronavirus. If you have been exposed to the virus, or have traveled to an area with outbreaks of coronavirus and you have symptoms, call the Health Service, or call the Pennsylvania 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, decongestants, or cough medication.
If you are experiencing more severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, call 9-1-1 and go to the emergency room. Severe symptoms include:
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to wake
- Severe weakness or unsteadiness
- Fever or cough that improves but then return or worsens
- 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. Persons may call 724-357-2550 or email questions to health-inquiry@iup.edu.
Please take every measure that you can to stay healthy, and to protect yourself and others.