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SHCS and COVID-19 FAQ

COVID-19 FAQs

Student Health & Counseling Services is committed to the health and safety of our CSUSM students. Below you will find information regarding how SHCS will handle student appointments and other questions relating to our services. 
To find the latest information on CSUSM and COVID- visit CSUSM as One. 

  • Is SHCS still even if students are not on campus?

    Currently, SHCS is open Monday-Friday at 8:00 AM - 5:00 pm and CLOSED for lunch at 12 pm -1 pm M/W/F and CLOSED for lunch at 11 AM -12 PM on T/TH.  Students that need to be seen by a medical provider or counselor, can make an appointment by calling (760) 750-4915 or walk in to see if we have any available appointments.  We provide appoitments via zoom and in person.

  • Does SHCS provide the COVID-19 Vaccine?

    No, SHCS does not offer the COVID-19 Vaccine, however there are many locations in the county for that offers the vaccine. 

    More information about the Vaccination Sites is available on the County’s website or by calling the County’s 2-1-1 hotline.

  • Do we have any confirmed cases on campus?

    Please visit CSUSM COVID-19 Dashboard for our current active cases and positivity rate. 

  • How can I tell if I have the cold, flu, allergies or COVID-19?

    If you are exhibiting some symptoms and are unsure if it is the flu, allergies, cold or COVID-19, we recommend that you call your medical provider for medical advice. If you currently do not have a medical provider, you may call SHCS at 760-750-4915 for medical guidance. 

    COVID-19 Compared to Common Conditions
    Symptom COVID-19 Common Cold Flu Allergies
    Fever Common Rare Common Sometimes
    Dry Cough Common Mild Common Sometimes
    Shortness of Breath Common No No Common
    Headaches Sometimes Rare Common Sometimes
    Aches and Pains Sometimes Common Common No
    Sore Throat Sometimes Common Common No
    Fatigue Sometimes Sometimes Common Sometimes
    Diarrhea Rare No Sometimes* No
    Runny Nose Rare Common Sometimes Common
    Sneezing No Common no Common

    * Sometimes in children

    Sources: CDC, WHO, American College of Allergy,  Asthma and Immunology


  • What are the symptoms for COVID-19?

    People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of sympotoms reported - ranging form mild symptoms to severe illness. The following symtoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

    • Fever or chills
    • Dry Cough
    • Shortness of Breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea

    Call your medical provider for medical advice if you think you have been exposed. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • Persistant 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 symptoms that are concerning.  Please visit CDC for more information: CDC: COVID19 Symptoms

  • What do I do if I have some of the symptoms for COVID-19, but not all of them?

    If you suspect you are infected or have been exposed to COVID-19 follow the steps from the CDC guidelines to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.

    We recommend that you call your medical provider for medical advice. You can also connect with the following resources in San Diego County.

    We recommend calling the County Hotline, 211, for general guidance on COVID-19. 

  • If I have any of the symptoms, can I still be seen at SHCS?

    If you currently have any  symptoms that you believe are related to having COVID-19, we recommend that you call your medical provider for medical advice. If you do not have a medical provider,  please call us at 760-750-4915 for medical guidance. 

     

  • What should I do if I feel I was exposed, or came into contact with someone with COVID-19?

    If  you suspect you are infected or have been exposed to COVID-19, follow the steps from the CDC guidelines to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community. 

  • I don’t have insurance, where can I be seen? Can I still be seen with SHCS?

    SHCS provides basic medical coverage with your student health fee. Students can be seen at SHCS if they are a current CSUSM student. If there is a medical concern that is not within our scope of care such as COVID-19, we will refer you to a community medical provider. 

    Current locations that students and community members can contact relating to COVID-19 are:

    Community Medical Provider Phone #
    North County Health Services (760) 736-6767
    San Diego Scripps Health  (888) 261-8431
    Vista Community Clinic (760) 407-1434
    Sharp HealthCare (858) 499-2705
    Kaiser Permanente (833) 574-2273
    UCSD Health (619) 543-5678
  • How does the COVID-19 virus spread?

     According to the CDC, the virus is  spread mainly from person-to-person.

    • Between people that are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby,  or can possibly be inhaled into the lungs. 

    You can protect yourself by taking the following steps: 

    • Washing your hands often
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
    • Avoid close contact. 
    • Cover coughs and sneezes
    • Stay home if you're sick
    • Wear a facemask if you are sick
    • Clean and disinfect frquently touched surfaces daily

    Visit CDC for more information on how COVID-19 spreads and  ways to protect yourself.  

  • Should I be wearing a facemask even if I am not sick?

    According to the CDC, wearing a face covering or face mask may reduce your risk of transmission or exposure.  At this time, it is highly recommended that you  wear some sort of face covering when you are on campus, outside running errands, whether it is grocery shopping, in a restaurant, at the mall or at the park due to the increase cases in San Diego County.

  • How can I protect myself, or my family/loved ones?

    You can protect yourself, family and loved ones by taking the following steps: 

    • Washing your hands often
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
    • Avoid close contact.  
    • Cover coughs and sneezes
    • Stay home if you're sick
    • Wear a facemask if you are sick
    • Clean and disinfect frquently touched surfaces daily

    Visit the CDC for handwashing techniques and ways to protect yourself and your family.

  • How do I stay informed about COVID-19?

    For more information regarding COVID-19, visit these online resources. 

    County of San Diego Epidemiology Unit – Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
    www.coronavirus-sd.com

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – COVID-19
    www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

    World Health Organization – Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/covid-19

  • What do I do if I’m overwhelmed by everything going on throughout campus, and the media?

    If you are feeling overwhelmed and need to talk to someone, you may call us to schedule an Initial Consultation with a SHCS counselor at (760) 750-4915. If a counselor is unavailable or if it is afterhours, call (760) 750-4915, when prompted hit “2” for a phone counselor. Our contracted agency will take the call and forward information to us. This can be accessed 24/7.

  • If I have received a prescription from the SHCS psychiatrist, how should I get a refill?
     If you are an established patient and need a refill, please contact SHCS to schedule a phone appointment.
  • Can I still schedule an Initial Consultation to speak with a counselor?

    Yes. All initial consultations will be conducted by phone. Please call 760-750-4915. Once you are scheduled for an initial consultation you will receive directions on how to complete the Initial Consultation paperwork.

  • Are there issues with confidentiality using Zoom for my individual counseling sessions?

    Zoom is a HIPAA compliant platform and video is encrypted. Before starting online sessions with your counselor, please have them review the informed consent for online counseling.

  • I would like to attend a counseling workshop. Is this possible?

    Absolutely! We currently offer several Coping Skill Series to choose from. You can sign up and a therapist will get back to you. 

  • Is it possible to still join a counseling support group?

    We offer many types of group therapy for students. If you have an interest, please sign up and a therapist will get back to you. 

  • Are services still available from the Sexual Violence Advocate & Educator?

    Yes. Services are still available with an advocate. Meetings will be via in person, phone or zoom. The best way to contact the advocate is to email: advocates@csusm.edu  Calling 760-750-4912 and leaving a voicemail is also an option. The advocate will call you back within 1 business day.

    If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance you can contact 760-750-4915, and when prompted hit “2” for a phone counselor. SHCS contracted agency will take the call and forward information to us. This can be accessed 24/7. A second option is to call a national hotline number: 1-800-656-4673

  • What if I have an emergency and need to talk to a counselor immediately?

    In the case of an acute crisis, you can call our main switchboard, 760-750-4915, and when prompted hit “2” for a phone counselor. Our contracted agency will take the call and forward information to us. This can be accessed 24/7.