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Written by Mary Boyle, Temple Family Council Member 

No one wants to receive that dreaded call from their college student to learn that they are sick and alone in their residence hall, minus all the comforts of home (especially pampering parents).  As parents, we want to fix things for our children, especially when they are ill and away from us.  So, whether you are a car ride away or a plane ride away, here are some suggestions that may help you and your student navigate this unfortunate event.

DON’T PANIC!

Temple, like all universities, wants to encourage college student to become independent young adults and learn to handle the events that life throws at them.  If you are a quasi-helicopter mom like myself, this can be challenging, especially when your student is feeling ill and is a distance from home.   Resist the immediate temptation to head to Temple to play nurse.  Try not to panic -- instead, ask questions and listen, encourage your student to leverage university resources, keep tabs on their recovery process by keeping in regular contact, and consider sending along a care package to lift their spirits.

ASK QUESTIONS

Getting sick at college is inevitable, especially at this time of year.  Many conditions like the common cold will pass in a few days, while others need further attention and treatment.  Asking your student questions about their symptoms can help you identify the cause and guide them to take the proper action so they can recover faster.

Temple’s Student Health Services Center is the best place to turn for care.  All Temple students have access to this facility, support and care at no additional charge.  Urgent or same-day appointments can be obtained, as well as advice over the phone.  Phone lines are always manned, and there is an on-call service to handle calls that come in when the center is closed.  Students who need assistance getting over to Student Health Services can even call Temple police for an escorted ride.  Also, myDoc Urgent Care opened recently on the edge of main campus at 1501 N. Broad Street (in the Fresh Grocer Shopping Center), which is a great back-up to Temple’s health center. 

If your student is experiencing any of the following symptoms, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly encourages a visit to the health center:  

• A fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher
• Pain in the abdomen that will not go away
• A persistent cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing
• A very sore throat
• Pain in your ears or sinuses
• A persistent fever
• Stiff neck
• Severe headache
• A flat, pink, red, or purple rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck
• Extreme tiredness
• Pain or any other symptoms that worry you or last longer than you think they should

SUGGEST A “SICK BUDDY”

In addition to getting lots of rest, maintaining good nutrition and drinking lots of fluids are important components to a speedy recovery. Yet, it’s generally not easy for sick students to obtain these items, plus any necessary OTC or prescription medication when they are bedridden.  Encourage your student to identify a “sick buddy” such as a roommate or a friend who is aware that your student is not well and can provide some assistance and errand running.  Depending upon the severity of your student’s condition, you may also want to encourage them to let their floor RA know about their status, as well as professors if they will be missing class.

STAY IN TOUCH

While you can’t be their bedside nurse, calling or texting your student regularly will improve how they feel and provide you with progress updates to monitor their recovery and empower them to take the proper action.  As long as your student has provided verbal approval, Student Health Services is allowed to speak with parents about their student’s condition and care.

SEND SOME TLC (OR CHICKEN SOUP)

Fortunately, with services like Amazon Prime, it’s easy to have a care package delivered to your student’s dorm the very next day.  This could consist of drug store items like cold medicine, cough drops, tissues, and some tea bags, or maybe that special item that makes them feel better when they are under the weather.  For my son, when he’s sick, he craves macaroni & cheese – and receiving some boxes of that gooey orange stuff helps to perk him up even if he can’t be recovering at home.

Or, surprise your student with a package from Spoonful of Comfort who deliver delicious homemade soup along with fresh-baked rolls and cookies.  As long as your student has a microwave in their room, this is a perfect way to ensure they are getting some nourishing, yummy eats while they recuperate.  The folks at Spoonful of Comfort are kindly offering Temple parents 15% off their order by using the coupon code “OWLCARES” when checking out.

Wishing your owl a very speedy recovery!