A healthy CSU

While you’re juggling classes, homework, work, and a social life, it’s important to maintain your health! Below are opportunities for you to do just that. And, in case you do need it, you have access to some of the best health care in the Southeast — three major hospital systems close by, urgent care facilities on the same street as campus, and primary care physicians within walking distance from our residence halls.

It’s always helpful, no matter the season, to maintain healthy habits.

Medical Info

Charleston Southern University has partnered with Roper St. Francis Express Care to provide excellent sick care for our full-time undergraduate and graduate students.

Roper St. Francis Express Care is open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. with the closest location less than one mile from campus at 8901 University Blvd., N. Charleston, SC 29406. They can be reached by dialing 843-203- 2245. All CSU full-time undergraduate and graduate students will receive one free visit per major semester (Fall & Spring) simply by presenting their CSU Student ID when checking in. Please note COVID testing is not a part of this plan. We recommend students bring at least two COVID-19 tests with them to school.

Here is what is covered in an office visit at Roper St. Francis Express Care:

  • diagnosis and treatment of minor injuries and administration of first aid;
  • initial evaluation for allergies;
  • nutritional diagnosis and counseling;
  • orthopedic evaluation of injuries to bones, muscles, and joints within the scope of a primary care practice;
  • dermatological problems;
  • initial diagnosis and need for simple physical therapy;
  • illness care;
  • minor procedures;
  • prescriptions for pharmaceuticals as indicated
  • basic x-ray
  • up to 2 POS lab tests (excludes COVID tests) for the following: Urinalysis, Pregnancy, Flu, Streptococcal A, Mono, Glucose finger stick
  • sutures

University policy requires students to receive and provide receipt of immunizations for their protection prior to admittance to the Charleston Southern University Residence Halls. These include, M.M.R, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Polio, Varicella, and Hepatitis B as well as receive a Tuberculosis Screening. We recommend students receive the Influenza and Meningococcal vaccines as well.

In the event of an urgent need to see a physician, CSU is in a great location close to many wonderful healthcare providers.

Urgent care providers on/near University Boulevard in North Charleston:

Hospitals:

For prescriptions and over-the-counter medication needs, here are a few pharmacy locations closest to our university:

Health and Wellness inspections are intended to inspect the cleanliness and functionality of CSU housing units. RAs conduct Health and Wellness inspections to identify health and wellness threats and the general condition of rooms. All Residents have a monthly room inspection. Follow-ups will be made as necessary.

During Health and Wellness Inspections, the Resident Assistant will check for overall cleanliness of the room. It is each resident’s responsibility to maintain a clean room and bathroom. Some items and areas that will be checked during these inspections are:

  • Floor
  • Trash
  • Mirrors
  • Furniture surfaces
  • Clothing not put away
  • Bathroom (sinks, shower, toilet, trash cans, floor)
  • Damages
  • Maintenance requests

Items that are prohibited in dorms will be identified and confiscated. They are listed below:

  • Pets
  • Hot plates or any open burner device (including cookers, toasters, toaster ovens, and grills)
  • Guns, metal point darts, knives, or any object that could be used as a weapon
  • Drugs or drug paraphernalia
  • Tobacco products
  • Electric blankets
  • Electric heaters
  • Flammables (including lighters)
  • Candles or Incense
  • Paintball guns

Current Concerns

 

Both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses, the seasonal influenza (flu) and common cold share many symptoms.

Cold

  • gradual symptoms
  • fever (rare)
  • aches (slight)
  • fatigue (sometimes)
  • sneezing (common)
  • chest discomfort/cough (mild to moderate)
  • stuffy nose (common)
  • sore throat (common)
  • headache (rare)

Flu

  • abrupt symptoms
  • fever (usual)
  • aches (usual)
  • chills (fairly common)
  • fatigue (usual)
  • sneezing (sometimes)
  • chest discomfort/cough (common)
  • stuffy nose (sometimes)
  • sore throat (sometimes)
  • headache (common)

Content Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is constantly evolving, with new information each day. Click here for the latest news from CSU.

What we know:

The novel virus originated in Wuhan, China, with cases reported to the WHO in late December 2019. Cases have spread to more than 70 countries, including the United States.

Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, ranging  from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Follow reputable sources:

 

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with a virus part of the same family of viruses as variola (which causes smallpox). It was first discovered in 1958 in colonies of monkeys kept for research, and the first human case was recorded in 1970. Prior to 2022, monkeypox or MPX was reported in people in several central and western African countries and in people linked to international travel to countries where disease occurs or through imported animals.

MPX was recently declared a public health emergency in the United States.

Symptoms:
Flu-like (fever, chills, muscle aches and backaches, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory symptoms) as well as a rash that can look like pimples or blisters.

How it spreads:
Close, personal skin-to-skin contact, including direct contact with the rash, bodily fluids, or respiratory secretions of someone with MPX.
Or by touching fabrics and objects of that person.
Most likely spread in men who have sex with men, but it is not solely transmitted that way. It is not an STD.

Learn more here.

There are many healthy habits you can practice to prevent these and other illnesses. Check out the CDC’s recommendations here for flu prevention, which can be replicated for other viral prevention as well.

Hygiene Best Practices

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.  Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.  Follow these five steps every time.

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water.  Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations.  If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth! This is a great way to prevent transmission of bacteria and viruses.

Getting quality sleep naturally boosts your immunity. Have trouble falling asleep? Try following these tips:

  • Turn off all screens at least one hour before bed,
  • Hold yourself accountable by setting an alarm to notify you it’s time to head to bed,
  • Minimize caffeine intake in the afternoon/evening,
  • Use non-digital ways to calm your mind such as reading, drawing, meditating, praying, etc.

Regular exercise should be a part of your lifestyle! It strengthens your immunity, tones muscle, and keeps your mind sharp.

Check out the Brewer Center  or go for a run around campus!

Incorporating healthy foods will help you feel better and more energized! The Dining Hall has a plethora of options, but if you head to the grocery store, make sure you meal plan and stick to the list!

Take water with you everywhere you go! Water cleanses your body and transports nutrients throughout your body to give you energy.

Clean and disinfect household items, phones, doorknobs, computer keys, tablets, steering wheels, etc. regularly. And don’t forget to wash bed sheets weekly and use commercial cleaners in the bathroom.

Poor air circulation means more dust and dander, so be sure to vacuum, too!

If you feel sick, take precautions. And if your symptoms get worse or become troublesome, see a doctor.

Don’t forget mental health! Please see our Counseling Services team should you feel extra stressed, anxious, or struggle with depression, grief, etc.

  1. Take care of yourself and rest!
  2. Communicate with your professors and cc Student Success (jmbrown@csuniv.edu) to coordinate notes and assignments.
  3. Prevent the spread.
    • Cover your cough in the nook of your arm or in a tissue (NOT IN YOUR HAND),
    • Dispose of tissues appropriately,
    • Isolate yourself,
    • And if you have to be around others–to go to the doctor or pick up medicine, for example–and you are still contagious, wear a mask.

Stay Informed

Whether it's the seasonal flu, food borne illness, or something else, read the latest at one of these trusted sites.

CDCSCDHECWHO

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