UM tests for COVID-19

8

UM offers rapid results for COVID-19 tests

Missoulian Staff

Curry Health Center at the University of Montana has rapid test results available for COVID-19 and is responding to the novel coronavirus in other ways.

“Campus health and safety are always at the forefront of our minds at the University of Montana,” said Jeff Adams, interim medical director at Curry Health, in a statement. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become more important than ever.”

UM notes Curry Health Center is an integral part of the university’s response to the novel coronavirus. The clinical team members are equipped to screen and test for and respond to potential COVID-19 cases, UM said on its website.

“We have implemented protocols for screening patients with respiratory illness and stepped up the infection prevention program in the building,” UM said. “We work in close alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Missoula City-County Public Health (MCCHD) to stay abreast of the latest news, best practices, and guidelines.”

Curry has a test that it runs on site to evaluate students with symptoms, Adams said: “Those results can be available in as little as 20 minutes, depending on testing volume.” The center also sends a second sample to a larger lab for con rmation. Staff are in place to help advise students who have questions about exposure or management of the illness.

Watch for sympytoms?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: • Fever or chills • Cough • Shortness of breath or diffi culty breathing • Fatigue • Muscle or body aches • Headache • Sore throat • New loss of taste or smell • Congestion or runny nose • Nausea or vomiting • Diarrhea

“We coordinate all these services with ongoing guidance from our local health department in Missoula,” Adams said.

Curry Health encourages people to call 243-2122 if they show signs of COVID-19 (see related box), have had close contact with someone who has had a positive test result, or have questions. UM also notes travel health providers are in close contact with the UM Global Engagement Of ce to provide advice and assistance to UM students, faculty, and staff who have traveled or will be traveling in the future.

“As the medical director at Curry Health Center at UM, I want you to know that we have worked extensively on a campus plan to decrease risk of illness, increase testing capability and have the ability to isolate an on campus student with a positive COVID-19 test,” Adams said.

Curry is offering distance-counseling services in lieu of face-to-face services. Call (406) 243-4712 during regular business hours to schedule an appointment, including urgent counseling appointments.

Curry Health Center is funded by students, who pay a health service fee each semester and a small charge per visit.

Tips for decreasing the spread

• Wear your face covering!!!

• Maintain social distance

• Use frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or sanitizing gels

• Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth, with unwashed hands

• Cover your mouth when coughing, ideally into your elbow and not into your hands

• Stay home when you are sick, but come to our clinic if you feel it is becoming serious

• Avoid close contact with people who are ill

• Get your fl u shot