Health, Wellness & Prevention FAQs
What precautions should members of the UH community take?
All UH community members should follow the preventive measures detailed in Prevention and follow the CDC Guidance on What to Do If You Are Sick. Students, staff and faculty working in clinical areas will have additional site-specific protocols with which to comply.
Employees should also follow the preventive measures detailed in Workplace Prevention and the protocols detailed in Return to Work on Campus.
What is the University doing in regard to bacterial and viral threats on campus?
To ensure the health and safety of students living in campus residential facilities and our faculty and staff working on campus, UH facilities are maintained using aggressive sanitization and hygiene protocols. This includes increased custodial cleaning and the availability of hand sanitizer dispensers at all entrances, common areas and elevators.
Custodial staff is required to wipe highly touched surfaces, including handrails, push/pull door handles, drinking fountains, tables and other furniture continually touched during the course of the day. The University has increased the frequency that restrooms and common areas are cleaned and disinfected. The University is also performing nightly electrostatic fogging for sanitization in classrooms and monthly application of a biocide on work surfaces.
A full list of cleaning protocols and prevention measure can be found on Campus Cleaning and Safety Practices.
What do I do if I feel sick?
If you are experiencing any Coronavirus Symptoms, do not come to campus. Follow the CDC Guidance on What to Do If You Are Sick.
What should I do if I have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 or is suspected/presumed to have COVID-19?
Follow the protocol described in Potential Exposure to Coronavirus.
What do I do if I am diagnosed with Covid-19?
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, do not come to campus, even if you are symptom-free. Follow the guidance in Diagnosis/Symptoms Protocols.
When can I return to campus if I have tested positive for COVID-19 and have been instructed to self-quarantine?
The COVID-19 situation has left me feeling anxious and worried. Where can I turn for help?
We recognize this is a stressful situation for many members of our community. For scholars and employees who are eligible for employee benefits, please contact the Employee Assistance Program. For scholars and employees who are not eligible for employee benefits, there are a number of community resources available, such as United Way of Greater Houston. For students, please contact UH Counseling and Psychological Services.
What student health and wellness services will be available to students in fall 2020?
Yes. The Student Health Center returns to normal operations Aug. 24. All aspects of the clinic will be open and available to our students, including Psychiatry, Women’s clinic, General Medicine, Lab and Pharmacy. Call us at 713-743-5151 to schedule your appointment.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will offer on-campus services beginning Aug. 24 by APPOINTMENT ONLY at the Health 2 Building for individuals in acute crisis and individuals without access to technology or privacy needed for teletherapy services. All other CAPS services will continue to operate via Teletherapy (phone and video) and can be reached at 713-743-5454, 24/7.
A full list of student support services is available from the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services.
I’ve received emails related to COVID-19, and I am not sure if they are legitimate. What should I do?
The Department of Homeland Security has issued an advisory warning of scams involving COVID-19, and the UH System Information Security Office is aware of phishing messages being received by faculty, staff and students. If you receive a suspicious phishing email to your UH email account, notify security@uh.edu, and be aware of the following:
- Cyber actors may send emails to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes.
- Exercise caution in handling such emails – avoid clicking on links and downloading attachments.
- Be wary of social media pleas, texts or calls related to COVID-19.
- Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.
What can I do if I am experiencing suspected bias or discrimination?
The University is committed to creating an inclusive climate for all of our community members. The CDC offers guidance on countering stigma related to this virus. If you believe that you are experiencing discrimination or bias related to your national origin, race or other protected characteristic, you may contact the UH Office of Equal Opportunity Services at eos@uh.edu or 713-743-8835.