COVID-19 FAQs

Symptoms:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Or at least two of these symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

If you develop these symptoms or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, call Health Services or your primary healthcare provider.

Faculty and staff should contact Employee Health at 662-915-6550 for additional information.

Students should contact Student Health at 662-915-7274 for additional information.

You can also contact Baptist Memorial Hospital’s 24-hour hotline for additional information – 866-941-4785.

What To Do if You Are Sick — CDC

CDC definitions:

• Self-monitoring means people should monitor themselves for fever by taking their temperatures twice a day and remain alert for cough or difficulty breathing. If they feel feverish or develop measured fever, cough, or difficulty breathing during the self-monitoring period, they should self-isolate, limit contact with others, and seek advice by telephone from a healthcare provider or their local health department to determine whether medical evaluation is needed.
• Quarantine in general means the separation of a person or group of people reasonably believed to have been exposed to a communicable disease but not yet symptomatic, from others who have not been so exposed, to prevent the possible spread of the communicable disease.
• Isolation means the separation of a person or group of people known or reasonably believed to be infected with a communicable disease and potentially infectious from those who are not infected to prevent spread of the communicable disease. Isolation for public health purposes may be voluntary or compelled by federal, state, or local public health order.

If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

The best way to help prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a number of preventive actions to follow including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.

Older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions and/or compromised immune systems are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. Go here to learn more.

Contact Student Health or Employee Health to discuss precautions you should be taking. Also, check out these CDC recommendations.

It’s normal & understandable to feel anxious, especially if you live in an affected community. If you are feeling increased stress or anxiety, please contact Student Health Services at 662-915-7274 or the University Counseling Center at 662-915-3784. Click here  for coping tips.