All students should take everyday preventive actions that reduce the likelihood of transmitting respiratory illnesses.
- Avoid close contact with others that are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose and use proper cough etiquette when coughing/sneezing.
- Avoid touching the area around your mouth, nose, and eyes whenever possible.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when available, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap/water are not available.
- Stay home when sick - remain at home or in your dorm until fever (above 37.5) has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
- Call or email your campus Student Health Services if you have questions or concerns about your status (012 420 2500 / [email protected]).
- If you become ill, call your Student Health Services, medical provider, or seek immediate medical care if symptoms become more severe, e.g., high fever or difficulty breathing.
- For after-hours care, call security at 012 420 2310 / 2760 or 083 654 0476 / 0800 006 4028.
- Be alert for campus communications regarding your campus COVID-19 status, and further advice or actions being taken by your campus, such as alteration in class scheduling, event cancellation, facilities closure, or other actions. Your campus will be working closely with public health authorities to make these determinations.
- Referrals, where applicable, are still required for services outside of the Student Health Services.
Self-Assessment
Sleep is essential for helping a person maintain optimal health. Assess your Sleep Deprivation by going through the guide available for download below.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation or irritation of the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eyeball. It can be spread easily from person to person, especially if it is caused by a virus or bacteria. It is also known as pink eye.
Dermatitis
An itchy inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis usually develops in early childhood and is more common in people who have a family history of the condition. The main symptom is a rash that typically appears on the arms and behind the knees, but can also appear anywhere.
Contraceptives
Birth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods may work in several different ways: Preventing sperm from getting to the eggs. Types include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges.
Constipation
Constipation is a condition characterised by a change in usual bowel movements and dry, solid stools. It occurs most often due to changes in diet or routine, or due to inadequate fibre intake.
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for pain experienced during menstruation. There are two types of dysmenorrhea, namely primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is the name given to upper abdominal discomfort, described as a burning sensation, bloating or gassiness, nausea or feeling full too soon after starting a meal.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a type of indigestion that normally occurs when stomach acid moves up into the oesophagus/throat.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is a common symptom. It may be related to serious diseases, or it could be a result of being out of shape physically. Your health care provider should assess whether your shortness of breath is treatable with lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or losing weight.
Urticaria
Urticaria is a very common problem. One person in five will suffer from it during their life (at differing times). Sometimes, it represents a true allergic reaction caused by food, an animal, a medication, an insect sting, a chemical product or other sensitising agents such as latex. However, most often, urticaria is not allergic in nature. Therefore, you must not be surprised if the allergist suggests that you not do any allergy testing.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. Nearly all sexually active people will become infected with at least one type of human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts, at some point during their lives. Genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area. They can look like small, flesh-coloured bumps or have a cauliflower-like appearance. In many cases, the warts are too small to be visible. Some strains of genital HPV can cause genital warts, while others can cause cancer. Vaccines can help protect against certain strains of genital HPV.
Missed Periods
Besides pregnancy, there are several possible reasons for a missed period. Pregnancy is by far the most common cause of a missed period, but there are some other medical reasons and lifestyle factors that impact your menstrual cycle. Extreme weight loss, hormonal irregularities, and menopause are among the most common causes if you're not pregnant.
Anxiety Disorder
Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Anxiety disorder refers to specific psychiatric disorders that involve extreme fear or worry and includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and panic attacks, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, selective mutism, separation anxiety, and specific phobias.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis
PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a short course of HIV medicines taken very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold in your body. You must start it within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV, or it won't work. Every hour counts!
Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome is a condition that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health, and behaviour during certain days of the menstrual cycle. It is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that many women get after ovulation and before the start of their menstrual period.
What To Do When Sick?
Not every illness or minor discomfort warrants a trip to SHS. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is treat yourself to a little self-care and avoid spreading your germs around campus.