Wellness Guide
This guide provides information on common health concerns and topics that students may encounter or wish to explore. Many symptoms—such as colds, fatigue, or minor injuries—can often be effectively managed at home with rest, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter treatments. The resources listed below are available to offer further support and guidance.
If symptoms persist, you need a test, or you’re unsure what steps to take, support is available:
- Call the free 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at (831) 459-2591 for health guidance
- Make an appointment with your healthcare provider
- View our after-hours care information
For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Respiratory Viruses
Some respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, circulate year-round in the U.S. and California, while others like flu and RSV are more active from October to March. These viruses can spread through coughing, sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.
Resources for Care and Prevention
- For tips on cold symptom relief, when to seek care, and how to avoid spreading illness, visit Treating the Common Cold. The Health Center guide covers self-care strategies, signs of more serious illness, and typical symptom duration.
- Additional guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses, mask use, symptoms, and treatments is available on the California Department of Public Health’s website.
The CDC recommends prompt testing and treatment for respiratory viruses like COVID-19, especially if you’re at risk for severe illness. Testing helps confirm infection so you can seek care, reduce complications, and avoid spreading the virus to others.
Need a COVID-19 test? Visit the campus pharmacy or the healthcare kiosks, where they are available 24/7!
If you have respiratory virus symptoms or test positive for COVID-19:
- Common symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache.
- Stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
- Notify close contacts like roommates and instructors.
- Wear a well-fitting mask if around others.
- Contact professors for academic support—no medical note needed.
- Use delivery services or the Buddy Meal Program for food; contact Slug Support if you need financial help.
Sexual Health & STI Support
STI screening is one of the most common reasons students visit the Student Health Center. If you’re experiencing symptoms like genital sores, discharge, or pain, it’s important to seek care within a few days. If you don’t have symptoms but want to get tested, there are simple and confidential ways to do so.
What you can do:
- Use self-ordered STI testing through our campus lab
- Get tested for HIV
- Make an appointment with a clinician if you’ve had high-risk exposure, have symptoms, or need to talk through concerns
Explore more:
- SHOP (Student Health Outreach & Promotion) – Offers free or low-cost safer sex supplies, sexual health education, peer support, and wellness workshops
- Bedsider: Birth Control & Sexual Wellness – A student-friendly site with info on STI prevention, testing, safer sex, and more
- California Dept. of Public Health – Sexual Health – Up-to-date STI facts, testing options, and statewide resources
Reproductive Well-being
The Cowell Student Health Center provides a wide range of gynecological services. Visit Gynecology and Reproductive Health to learn more.
Check out this FAQ from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:
Cervical Cancer Screening – ACOG
CDC: Cervical Cancer Screening – Learn the basics of screening, timing, and what to expect.
Contraception
Contraception is available for students who want to start, restart, change, or renew a prescription. Visit our Birth Control page to explore options. If you already use our pharmacy or need to transfer a prescription there, contact them directly. Safer sex supplies like condoms are also available at the pharmacy and through SHOP. For more information on birth control methods, visit Go Ask Alice! Birth Control Basics.
Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea
Sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are often caused by Norovirus, a highly contagious virus. Many people think they have “food poisoning,” but it’s usually this virus causing symptoms. You might also experience a low-grade fever and body aches. Eating a limited set of gentle foods can help you recover in a day or two. If you cannot keep fluids down, there’s a risk of dehydration, and medication or medical care may be needed. For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health’s guidance on Norovirus.
Skin Rashes
Rashes can have many causes. A common one on and around campus is Poison Oak. If the rash looks like poison oak and follows recent exposure, small areas can often be treated with over-the-counter products.
If the rash is widespread, worsening, or you’re unsure of the cause, seek medical care.
Some rashes may be caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). If you notice a rapidly spreading rash, with or without known MRSA exposure, seek urgent care immediately.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common cause of urinary burning, frequency, and lower abdominal discomfort. Students unsure of their diagnosis may be tested and treated for UTIs at the Student Health Center. Students experiencing UTI symptoms may receive expedited UTI treatment from the Triage Nurse if they meet criteria for uncomplicated infection.
Vaginal Infections
Vaginal infections—typically caused by yeast or bacterial vaginosis (BV)—are also common. Students confident they have a yeast infection may try an over-the-counter product, but BV requires prescription medication and an exam. Avoid using vaginal products for several days before a clinic visit. These infections result from imbalances in the body and are not sexually transmitted.
Fatigue
Fatigue has many causes. Often, students want to rule out mononucleosis or anemia when they feel fatigued. More commonly, fatigue results from lack of sleep, irregular sleeping patterns, poor eating habits, and stress. A sudden onset of overwhelming fatigue should prompt a checkup if no obvious cause exists. Fatigue accompanied by sore throat, fever, or swollen tender lymph nodes may indicate mononucleosis.
Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia
Many students experience anxiety, depression, or sleep difficulties during college. Lifestyle changes such as improved sleep habits, regular physical activity, and social support can make a difference. Counseling is also a helpful resource. For some students, medication may be needed on a short- or long-term basis.
If your mental health is affecting your academic or personal life, reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for an appointment or crisis support.
Resources:
Injuries
Overuse injuries often develop over time and may not require immediate care, but worsening pain or inability to use the affected body part needs prompt evaluation. Acute injuries, such as muscle tears or broken bones, require urgent attention if severe loss of function occurs.
Medline: Wound Care Instructions
Skin lacerations may heal on their own, but large or bleeding wounds may need suturing within 12 hours. Cuts and abrasions risk infection; dirty wounds might require updated tetanus immunization. Knowing your last tetanus shot date is helpful.
Nutrition
Lab Work
Students can schedule their own Wellness Panel with our lab. Results can be discussed with one of our healthcare providers.
Wellness Coaching with SHOP
Contact Student Health Outreach & Promotion to get some helpful tips on how to eat healthy as a student. Their Wellness Coaching Program is available to all registered students.
Common Wellness Coaching topics include: incorporating more physical activity into your routine, eating well on a budget, meal planning and prepping, overcoming procrastination, time management, and stress management tools. If you have medical conditions or require specific nutritional support, please consult your healthcare provider.
Campus Resources
CalFresh Outreach Program: The CalFresh Outreach Program assists people through the entire application process.
Manage Special Needs and Illnesses
Dining Halls Nutrition and Wellness: If you have dietary restrictions, learn how to navigate the dining halls.
Buddy Meal Program: Here’s what to do if you or a friend are sick and can’t make it to the dining halls.
Nutrition Mobile apps
Download MyPlate It’s the modern way to eat better every day. It’s easy to use, customizable, based on science, and an overall great way to enjoy healthier eating.
Download Fooducate to Improve your health by creating good habits & eating more mindfully.
Smoking and Vaping Cessation Support
Thinking about quitting? Support is available to help you make a plan and stick with it.
- Start with SHOP: Get personalized strategies, quit planning help, and info on what to expect.
- Ready to quit? Contact the Student Health Center (if you have UC SHIP) or your primary care provider for a health assessment, nicotine replacement options, and ongoing support.
Quit Smoking Resources
- Kick It California: Free quit plans, live coaching, and text support.
- CYAN (California Youth Advocacy Network): Education and tools to support a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Additional resources
Mpox
The California Department of Public Health recommends vaccination for those at risk of mpox. UC Santa Cruz Student Health Services offers the JYNNEOS vaccine to students with UC SHIP. Students without UC SHIP should contact their provider or the county health department at (831) 454-4114. Learn more about symptoms, prevention, and exposure steps: CDC MPOX Info