Communicable Disease Resources
Austin Peay State University recognizes that certain communicable diseases have serious implications on the health and safety of a university community. It is important that all students, faculty, staff and community members work together to reduce the spread of infectious diseases by engaging in prevention, intervention and collaborative partnerships. The university monitors health data from our campus and region and consults with our local health departments in order to be prepared for any communicable disease that may impact our campus.
Communicable diseases are illnesses that spread from one person to another or from an animal to a person. It is important to remember that students living in residence halls may become sick with a variety of contagious illnesses but they usually can remain in shared rooms/suites with their roommates while recovering (just as our off-campus students do). Some of the ways these illnesses may spread are through:
- Direct contact with a sick person
- Breathing in airborne viruses or bacteria
- Contact with blood or other body fluids
- Contact with a contaminated surface or object
- Bites from insects or animals that can transmit disease
Action steps for students who may be ill
- If you are too ill to attend class or other responsibilities, contact the instructor, supervisor or coach as soon as you are aware – this is your responsibility.
- If you need to see a provider due to worsening symptoms, contact Boyd Health Services at (931)221-7107 to set an appointment or go to the APSU portal. Calling in the morning is best if you want to get in the same day.
Information For Specific Communicable Diseases
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
How can you protect yourself:
- WASH YOUR HANDS with soap & water (hand sanitizer does not work) after going to the bathroom
- Clean and sanitize surfaces and utensils used in preparing food
- Do not prepare food for others if sick
Upper Respiratory Illness(common cold)
The common cold is viral, not bacterial, so antibiotics will not work.
How can you protect yourself:
- WASH YOUR HANDS
- Maintain a strong immune system with getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating healthy and attempting to decrease stress
*Boyd Health Services offers a variety of testing methods for STIs. Please talk to
your clinician about your options.
Disclaimer: Austin Peay State University Diagnostic Laboratory does not claim responsibility for information found herein, nor for effects suffered by the adherence to such information. The documents contained within this site are presented by the Austin Peay State University Diagnostic Laboratory , solely with the intent of providing public service information on health and health-related issues. This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or physician prior to utilizing any of the information presented on this website.
Austin Peay State University Diagnostic Laboratory provides links to other websites for the convenience of site visitors in locating information that may be of interest. The Diagnostic Laboratory is not responsible for the availability or content of these external sites, nor does the Laboratory endorse, warrant or guarantee the products, services, or information described or offered at these other Internet sites.