The Student Health Center (SHC) continues to evolve in response to the ever-changing public health landscape, and we have adopted new ways to support you. We want to help keep you healthy so you can focus on achieving your goals here at SSU.
If you suspect you have been exposed to COVID, or you are developing symptoms that could be COVID, please review the sections below, as well as the information on the COVID Compliance and Monitoring Office website.
What do I do if I’m exposed to COVID?
Please take a home COVID antigen test 3-5 days from your exposure. The CDC Isolation and Exposure Calculator is a helpful online tool to determine when to test.
We recommend that you wear a mask when indoors for at least five days after exposure, just in case you are contagious even without symptoms.
If you develop symptoms, please call the Student Health Center at 707-664-2921 or your primary care provider to make an appointment.
What do I do if I feel sick?
If you become sick with a sore throat, headache/body aches, fever >100.4, runny nose, cough, or any other concerning symptoms, please call the Student Health Center at 707-664-2921 to make an appointment.
Self-isolate until you are cleared by a healthcare provider to return to classes, sports, or work. More information about isolation can be found in the sections below.
If you are found to be COVID positive, students should complete Voluntary COVID Contact Tracing form if you were on campus within 48 hours of onset of symptoms.
Excuse notes for classes/work/sports can be provided after seeing an SHC provider for an appointment.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you are having severe symptoms.
If you are a student who works for Sonoma State, please review the following information. If you are found to be positive for COVID and attended class or had contact with other university employees in the 2 days before you got sick or tested positive, please fill out the COVID Case Survey. Your report helps us stay informed about the status of COVID in our campus community.
COVID Symptoms
The CDC reports that people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus, but the majority of people develop symptoms within 3-7 days from exposure (CDC).
Symptoms include:
- Fever (>100.4F) or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache (new or unusual)
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. Severe illness is more common in people with underlying health conditions, weakened immune systems, and in older adults.
Recommended Supplies
We recommend keeping the following items available throughout cold and flu season:
- Thermometer
- Home COVID Antigen Test Kits
- Hand sanitizer
- Over the counter medications and supplies for cold and flu symptoms (ex, tylenol, ibuprofen, sinus rinse kit, etc).
- Masks (Surgical masks available at the Student Health Center, near the Seawolf Service Center, the Student Center information desk, and the University Library circulation desk (2nd floor)
We also strongly recommend that you obtain health insurance to cover any medical care that cannot be provided by the Student Health Center. This includes care that is required after hours or for severe illness that necessitates ambulance transport, urgent care or emergency room treatment.
Quarantine & Isolation Information
Quarantine and Isolation help protect the public by preventing additional disease exposure.
- Quarantine separates people who were exposed to a contagious disease, to see if they become sick. If they become sick with symptoms, they enter isolation.
- Isolation separates sick people with a known contagious disease until they are no longer contagious.
Campus Safety Protocols : If you are a student on campus with a Meal Plan and you need to have someone bring you food while in isolation, please follow these instructions.
What can I do to stay healthy?
- How to Protect Yourself and Others
- Get vaccinated
- Follow public health and university recommendations regarding mask use.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.
- Eat nutritious food.
- Stay hydrated with water.
- Stay active. Spend time in nature.
- Prioritize quality sleep.
- Stop smoking/vaping now. Get help at Kick it California.
- Care for your mental health.
- Take time to socialize with friends and family.
- For more support, reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services at Sonoma State University.
COVID-19 testing at the Student Health Center
Home antigen test kits may be purchased at local grocery stores, Target/Walmart, and local pharmacies while supplies last. You may also purchase home antigen test kits at the SHC Pharmacy as long as supplies last. It is best to already have a test kit available at home if the need arises.
Can I get a COVID Vaccine?
Effective April 2023, students and employees are no longer required to be vaccinated for COVID-19. However, SSU and other health experts strongly recommend students be vaccinated against COVID. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are no longer available at the Student Health Center. If you would like to get a COVID-19 vaccine, visit MyTurn & COVID 19 California for more information, or contact your primary care provider.
If you have additional questions, please call the Student Health Center at (707) 664-2921 for assistance.
Can students living and studying outside the area access SHC services?
Yes! Your student health fee covers all basic services at any CSU Student Health Center, not just SSU. If you have questions or concerns, and are far from campus, call the SSU Student Health Center at 707-664-2921 to schedule an appointment, and an initial visit will be conducted via phone or Zoom. If an SSU SHC provider feels that you need to be seen in person, they will discuss available resources in your area.