Wellness Center
Wellness Center - Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss my classes?
If you are too ill to attend class, please call your professors and make arrangements. The Wellness Center does not excuse students for their absences.
Is my visit confidential? What about my records?
All visits to the Wellness Center are confidential and information may not be released without the student's written permission. Records are kept for at least seven years and then destroyed. A small fee may be charged for copying or faxing records.
What if the Wellness Center is closed when I visit?
If you need medical attention immediately, contact Campus Safety or your Resident Director. If you are in need of immediate medical or mental health assistance or are in a life threatening situation, call both Campus Safety (x3500) and 911. If you have a non life-threatening but urgent mental health care need, contact the Counseling Services pager at 236-5717 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room for assessment.
How do I know if I have the flu or a cold?
| SYMPTOMS | FLU | COLD |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | High temp. (102F-104F), sudden onset, lasts 3 to 4 days | Rarely |
| Headache | Can be severe | Rarely |
| Body aches & pains | Usually, often quite severe | Sometimes |
| Fatigue & weakness | Extreme, can last up to 2-3 weeks | Mild |
| Bedridden | Almost always | Rarely |
| Runny, stuffy nose | Sometimes | Common |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Common |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common |
| Chest discomfort & coughing | Extreme, can become severe | Mild to moderate, hacking cough |
| Complications | Bronchitis, pneumonia, can be life-threatening | Sinus congestion or earache |
| Prevention | Annual vaccination | None |
What about a flu shot?
Flu vaccines are available at low cost in the fall at health fairs & at local flu shot clinics. Flu shots will not cause the flu. It protects against respiratory not "stomach flu". Prevention is the best policy: Keep your body and immune system in good health by eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, getting adequate rest, and getting a flu shot.
What can I do if I get the "flu"?
Antiviral drugs are now available by prescription but must be taken within 48 hours of onset of symptoms to be effective for treatment of respiratory "flu". Drink lots of fluids, especially water. You need it and it will make you feel better. Wash your hands frequently to prevent spread of the illness. Get plenty of rest. Over the counter medications may help relieve flu symptoms; talk with your pharmacist or nurse.
How can I schedule an appointment with a physician?
Contact the Wellness Center at 574.807.7370 to discuss local physicians in your insurance network or for more information.
Dr. Stephen Simons will see Bethel students at his office (230 E. Day Road, Suite 150 Mishawaka) 574.247.5678. Payment is not required at the time of service, but you will need to bring your insurance card.
What can I do to prevent sickness?
Living in dorms increases the risk of illness because of many people sharing close quarters. A few simple behavior changes may lower your risk of illness and prevent spread of illness to others.
- Wash your hands frequently. Example: before preparing foods or eating, after blowing your nose or coughing, after using the restroom, etc. Try not to rub your eyes after touching an unclean surface.
- Drink plenty of water. Six to eight glasses are recommended daily.
- Eat a balanced diet from a variety of foods.
- Exercise regularly. Be active everyday.
- Rest your body when tired and develop a regular sleep pattern. You can't "catch up" on lost sleep.
- Recognize stress and find healthy ways to help cope. Call Counseling Services if needed at 574.807.7374.
- Get regular check-ups with your family physician and dentist.
- Keep immunizations current. Many are free at the Health Department.
