As we near the second quarter of the semester, COVID-19 cases are growing in numbers.

• If a student tests positive they should isolate immediately until they meet specific criteria
• Anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 should watch for symptoms for ten days.
• Wear a mask indoors and around others for 10 days and get tested five days later.

Two Georgia Southern students shared their struggles with COVID-19 this semester.

Alyson Ditmore, a senior majoring in communication science, contracted the virus during the first week of school. “I was in bed all day for two weeks, I didn’t eat for a week and lost my sense of taste,” Ditmore said.

“I was very tired, I lost my voice, I had no energy, no stamina, and loss of appetite…sore throat, cold sweats, it was terrible,” said Kelly Woods, a junior psychology major.

“Students should submit a COVID-19 Health Reporting Form through their MyGeorgiaSouthern account,” said an email from April Burke, Engagement and Communications Strategist at Georgia Southern.

First, get tested five days after exposure or when the first symptoms appear. Second, wait 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medications and symptoms are improving.

Burke also emphasized preventative measures in her email. “Basic health and hygiene practices, including handwashing, covering your mouth when you cough and sneezing into a tissue,” she said.

“Additionally, students, faculty, and staff can get tested for COVID-19 if needed, stay home if you feel sick, wear a mask around others when you are not feeling well, and avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.”

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new round of the COVID-19 booster to help boost the resistance of the vaccine.

This booster is aimed to protect infants and older adults from a possibly deadly respiratory infection called the Respiratory syncytial virus or R.S.V.

The F.D.A advises everyone to get the COVID-19 booster shot, stating that in the last year, only 20 percent of adults in the United States received the booster.

There are At Home COVID-19 Tests that you can order or pick up from local pharmacies such as CVS, Walmart and Walgreens.

Upon receiving your at-home COVID-19 test, follow these three essential steps. First, wash and dry your hands thoroughly for a minimum of 20 seconds.

Next, remove the swab from its packaging, swab your nasal cavity and place it into the provided container.

Lastly, wait between 15 and 20 minutes before checking for a positive or negative result, depending on the specific test you are using.

For more information visit- FDA’s booster shot, Health Services