Urgent Care for College Students in Tampa, FL
Back to school—whether it is kindergarten, elementary school, high school, or college—also unfortunately means back to germs. Like many other settings where a lot of people are in close contact, college campuses are breeding grounds for various health issues, such as the common cold, flu, COVID-19, mononucleosis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), to name a few.
Of course, there are effective preventative measures you can take, but nothing is 100% foolproof. Most college students invariably get sick at least once during the school year. If it happens to you, there is a reliable medical provider you can turn to in Tampa, Florida. South Tampa Immediate Care is pleased to provide urgent care for college students on a walk-in basis.
Get Ahead of the Germs
Before you head off to college, make sure that your vaccinations are up to date, and get your annual flu shot as soon as it is available (usually in the early fall). Also, make it a habit to wash your hands frequently, especially before you eat. Once you get settled, keep your room clean, and launder your bedding and towels regularly.
Be aware of common college practices that can wreak havoc on your immune system. While away from home, many students do not prioritize nutrition—after all, there’s a lot going on—and they tend to develop unhealthy eating habits (hence the dreaded weight gain commonly referred to as the “freshman 15”). A diet lacking in essential nutrients can interfere with your body’s production of immune cells and antibodies, leaving you more susceptible to infection from any of the many germs you will encounter in college.
Another immune system sabotager is a lack of sleep. You might feel like you can regularly pull all-nighters to study for exams or party til the sun comes up—but you shouldn’t. Getting enough rest is vital to your long-term health in many ways: It heals your body, reduces stress, improves productivity, boosts creativity, and enhances decision-making.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Even if you are diligent about keeping your hands and your space clean, eating healthy foods at every meal, and getting 8-10 hours of sleep each night, you can still get sick. Germs are unavoidable at college, especially if you live in tight quarters with roommates and share a communal bathroom. So, what should you do then?
The next time you’re feeling ill, on or off campus, skip the germy waiting room and come directly to South Tampa Immediate Care at 602 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa, FL. We offer urgent care for college students on a walk-in basis. You can also enter our virtual waiting room to further streamline your visit with us.
