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What should I do if I feel sick?

A health-related FAQ for the Binghamton University community

By Natalie Blando-George
March 20, 2020

Binghamton University is working closely with the Broome County Health Department, the New York State Department of Health and other public health officials in developing its response to the coronavirus, with the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff as our primary focus.

We are continually receiving and responding to queries, and one of the most frequently asked questions we get is, “What do I do if I feel sick?”

For that answer and other COVID-19-related healthcare guidance, BingUNews turned to Richard Moose, MD, medical director of the Decker Student Health Services Center and the University’s liaison with local, regional and state public health experts and healthcare leaders.

Q. How is COVID-19 spread?

A. The COVID-19 virus mainly spreads from person-to-person by respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, these droplets can land in the eyes, mouths or noses of people who are nearby (within about 6 feet) or could be inhaled into the lungs.

Q. Can I catch COVID-19 from touching something an infected person touched?

A. This isn’t the main way the virus spreads, but it may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. This is why we stress how critical it is to wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, and to avoid touching your face.

Q. Should I wear a face mask if I’m not sick?

A. You don’t need to wear a face mask unless you’re taking care of someone who is sick and they aren’t able to wear a face mask. Face masks are in short supply and should be saved for caregivers and those who are sick.

Q. What symptoms should I be worried about?

A. The primary clinical symptoms of COVID-19, which may appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure, include:

  • Fever (a measured temperature of 100 °F or symptoms of fever)
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Unless you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or to someone who has been tested but doesn’t have their results yet, you would be considered to potentially have COVID-19 if you have fever AND either a cough or shortness of breath.

Q. If I have these symptoms what should I do?

A. First, let me address students on campus or in the Binghamton area who think they may have the coronavirus. Call the Decker Student Health Services Center at 607–777–2221 to be screened. You’ll be asked about your symptoms, travel (especially if you’ve been outside the U.S.) and potential exposure history. Based on your responses, we’ll tell you what your next steps should be.

However, students, faculty and staff are able to be screened in other ways.

  1. UHS COVID-19 screening tool
  2. Lourdes Hospital Ascension COVID-19 screening tool
  • Local hospital organizations also offer virtual walk-in and online care. Keep in mind that these services are fee-based.
  1. UHS virtual/online care
  2. Lourdes Hospital Ascension virtual/online care
  • Broome County public health officials are urging people to use online or virtual visits, rather than visiting facilities in person. However, if you’re planning to make an in-person visit to a walk-in or urgent care facility, call ahead. Lourdes Hospital, UHS and Endwell Family Physicians operate walk-in centers in the area.
  • Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse operates the Central New York Regional Triage Line at 315-464-3979. The line is available 24 hours a day to provide answers to coronavirus-related questions and guidance on next steps based on callers’ responses.

Students who have left the Binghamton area should follow the guidelines being published by the local health department where they are currently residing.

Q. What if I have a fever greater than 100 °F and cough or shortness of breath, but I haven’t recently traveled to an area with widespread outbreak or had close contact with a person who has COVID-19. What should I do?

A. Colds and flu (influenza) are still prevalent in our community and can cause similar symptoms to COVID-19. If you’re a Binghamton University student in the area, call the Decker Student Health Services Center at 607-777-2221. If you’re out of the area, you could use one of the resources listed above. Regardless of where you are, you should put on a mask (if you have one) and isolate yourself from others until your healthcare provider tells you what to do.

Q. Is testing available for people who suspect they have coronavirus?

A. For people who meet the clinical AND epidemiological criteria for testing, options are available for testing and will be determined by your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that supplies for testing are in short supply in the Binghamton area, and only people who are severely ill are being tested.

Q. If I’m being tested for COVID-19, should I tell Binghamton University?

A. Yes. Contact Binghamton University to inform us of any of the following actions provided by your healthcare provider:

  • You are directed to have COVID-19 testing.
  • You are advised to engage in self-quarantine or isolation.
  • You have received your final results (positive or negative) for COVID-19.

Contact instructions for students and employees are:

  • Students: contact the Decker Student Health Services Center at 607-777-2221
  • Employees: contact Binghamton University Human Resources at 607-777-4939

Q. At what point should I contact health officials?

A. If you’re self-quarantining or self-isolating due to suspected COVID-19 illness or exposure, report your status to the Decker Student Health Services Center at 607-777-2221 or to the Broome County Health Department at 607-778-2839. This includes reporting the results of any COVID-19 testing that is performed on you.

Q. If I’m told to quarantine, what does this mean? Is there quarantine space on campus?

A. Quarantine is recommended for people who don’t have fever and cough or shortness of breath, but have been exposed to someone who has or may have COVID-19 infection. A quarantine is intended to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. If you’re advised to quarantine yourself, you’ll be instructed to avoid contact with other people for 14 days. Students are advised to go home, using private transportation, for the quarantine period. If you can’t go home and you live on campus, you’ll be quarantined on campus as space allows. This may require that you move to another building on campus.

Q. What if I’m rooming with or living near someone who is sick?

A. Contact the Decker Student Health Services Center or Residential Life staff to discuss your concerns.

Q. Will the Decker Student Health Services Center remain staffed to care for students who stay on campus?

A. Yes.

Q. Where can I get more information about coronavirus?

A. Here are some sources for accurate, up-to-date information: