Student Health Services offers affordable health care to the students of Texas A&M University Commerce. We provide primary health care services including:
If you are currently having symptoms of COVID-19 or have had a direct exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, per CDC and Texas A&M University-Commerce guidelines, you qualify to receive a COVID-19 test. Before receiving a test, you must have completed booking your appointment and completed a testing consent form. Student Health Services has to have both of these on record before you can be tested.
STEP 1: Complete the consent form for testing here. If you do not have your consent form completed by your appointment time, you will have to reschedule the appointment.
STEP 2: To book your testing appointment at Student Health Services, go to this link and follow the instructions. When booking your appointment, faculty/staff members should use their UIN and students should use their CWID.
COVID-19 tests will be performed on campus at Student Health Services, located at Henderson Hall, 1504 Lee St. Commerce, TX 75428. There will be a walk-up and drive-thru option for testing outside of Student Health Services. When you arrive for your appointment, please make sure to wear a face mask and have your appointment reference number and photo ID readily available. Please note that the COVID-19 test is an oral swab so do not eat, drink, or smoke 20 minutes before your appointment time.
If you have any questions regarding how to book your appointment, please contact Student Health Services at 903.886.5853 or 903.886.5847
What is COVID-19?
It is an illness caused by the novel coronavirus which can be spread from person to person.
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild or no symptoms to severe illness.
How is COVID-10 spread?
It is mainly spread from person to person through respiratory droplets(coughing, sneezing, talking).
Spread is more likely when people are in close contact(within 6 feet)
Am I at risk for COVID-19?
At this time, COVID-19 is widespread throughout many communities. It is essential to practice social distancing, wear a cloth face covering and avoid large gatherings to help protect yourself and your family.
Individuals at increased risk of severe illness include; older age, COPD, sickle cell disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, chronic kidney disease, immunocompromised state, obesity, serious heart conditions such as heart failure and cardiomyopathy.
How can I protect myself?
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If water and soap are not available, use hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
If possible, maintain 6 feet distance(about 2 arms lengths)
Remember that people without symptoms can spread the virus so keeping your distance is especially important.
Wear a mask when in public settings especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Buy groceries and medicine, go to the doctor, and complete banking activities online when possible.
Clean and disinfect high touch objects and surfaces(counters, doorknobs, phones, light switches) on a regular basis.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days following exposure.
Types of COVID-19 Testing
There are 2 types; viral tests and antibody test.
Student Health Services provides a viral test called a PCR which takes a sample from your mouth. It is then sent to a commercial laboratory outside of Texas. Results may take 2-4 days to be released and are sent directly to your email.
We offer drive thru or walk up testing.
How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
At Student Health Services (SHS), we perform the test by swabbing your mouth. It is then sent to a commercial laboratory outside of Texas.
Who should get tested for COVID-19?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19.
If you have had a direct exposure to an individual who tested positive(within 6ft for greater than 15mins).
Where can I get a COVID-19 test?
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are having symptoms of COVID-19, you can sign up at https://texasam.curativeinc.com/welcome
A consent form must be completed prior to your testing date. Your test will be cancelled upon arrival if the consent form has not been completed. Click the link below to complete the consent form.
https://dms.tamuc.edu/Forms/Privacy?_ga=2.33159294.1991237315.1597063903-660918509.1499721002
How do I prepare for the COVID-19 test?
Be sure to sign up at the correct testing site(Texas A&M University-Commerce)
Complete the consent form using the link above.
Do not eat or drink anything 20 minutes before your test.
I tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?
STAY AT HOME
Self-isolate for at least 10 days since the onset of your symptoms. This will prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others.
Separate yourself from others in your home.
Monitor your symptoms daily.
There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, but you can speak with your health care provider for over the counter remedies that help alleviate your symptoms.
Avoid sharing personal household items such as dishes and towels.
You can stop isolating when it has been more than 10 days since the onset of your symptoms AND you have been fever free for 24 hours without any medication AND your symptoms are improving.
I have been around a person with COVID-19. What should I do?
Anyone who has had close contact with an individual with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after their last exposure to that person(Quarantine).
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19.
What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?
Isolation separates individuals with a contagious disease from individuals who are not sick.
Quarantine separates and restricts movement of healthy people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.
I tested positive for Covid-19. Should I get retested?
Per CDC, most people do not require re-testing to decide when they can be around others.
You can be around others after 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared AND 24 hours with no fever without the use of over the counter fever reducing medication AND COVID-19 symptoms have improved.***
***may be longer than 10 days if you are immunocompromised or have other chronic medical conditions.
Can I be spreading COVID-19 to others unknowingly?
YES.
You may be spreading the virus to others 2 days prior to onset of symptoms.
CDC estimates 40% of people infected with the virus do not show any symptoms(asymptomatic).
What should I do if I am sick?
Stay home
Separate yourself from others in your home—if this is not possible, wear a mask and practice hand hygiene.
Avoid public places-public transportation, classrooms, dining halls.
Take care of yourself—stay well hydrated and get plenty of rest.
Monitor your symptoms.
When to seek emergency medical attention
If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: notify the operator that you are seeking care and that you have tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19.
Am I considered a close contact if I was wearing a mask?
Yes, you are still considered a close contact even if you were wearing a mask while you were around someone with COVID-19. Masks are meant to protect other people in case you are infected, and not to protect you from becoming infected.
If you were within 6 feet AND more than 15 minutes with a COVID-19 positive individual, you are considered a close contact.
If I am a close contact, will I be tested?
CDC recommends that you get tested for COVID-19 if you have been around someone who is sick.
I was around someone who has COVID-19, and my COVID-19 test came back negative. Do I still need to quarantine for 14 days?
YES. You should still quarantine for 14 days since your last exposure. It can take up to 14 days after your exposure for symptoms to develop. By quarantining for 14 days, you lower the chance of possibly exposing others to COVID-19.
For additional resources visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html and https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
