Optimizing Safety

Self-Monitoring

Every member of the MUSC community must monitor themselves for symptoms using the checklist below.

If you have of the following symptoms, go home/stay home and contact MUSC Health Virtual Care  (https://campaigns.muschealth.org/virtual-care/index.html) so you can be assessed for testing.

• Do you have new muscle aches not related to another medical condition or another specific activity (e.g. due to physical exercise)?
• Do you feel like you may have a fever of greater than 100.4°F? (If so, take temperature)
• Do you have chills?
• Do you have a sore throat not related to another medical condition (e.g. allergies)?
• Do you have a new or worsening cough that is not related to another medical condition?
• Do you have shortness of breath that is not attributable to another medical condition?
• Do you have recent (<5>loss of smell and/or taste?
• Do you have new onset of vomiting or diarrhea not related to another medical condition?
• If you have any symptom listed above in italics, please also take your temperature and contact MUSC Health Virtual Care.

If you have other concerning or serious symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Students who have underlying conditions that put them at increased risk include the following: age >65 years old, underlying chronic health conditions, immunosuppression, and pregnancy.

If you have questions about your health, please contact MUSC Student Health (https://education.musc.edu/students/student-health).

 

Patient Care

Students may choose to be involved in direct care for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

The clinical team will help identify appropriate patients for students to see in the clinical setting and will assist them regarding appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) choices.

Should a student have any question about whether they should see a patient or what PPE is appropriate, they should pause and discuss their questions with a care team member (nurse, resident, fellow, attending) before proceeding. 

Policy on Medical Student Interaction with COVID-19 Patients

 

Hand Sanitizing

Use hand sanitizer or wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds frequently (e.g. before and after wearing gloves and after donning/doffing PPE) and after touching surfaces. 

 

Social Distancing

Please refer to the University Safety Directives for the most current guidance on social distancing and other safety protocols.