Common Illnesses on Campus

This page lists common illnesses that can occur on college campuses and provides links to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources for more information.

Understanding Campus Illnesses

College brings new independence, and with it comes the responsibility to take care of your health. Between classes, work, clubs, and social events, students are often in close contact with others, which can make it easy for common illnesses like colds, flu, and mono to spread quickly.

The links on this page have information about these and other infectious diseases that can affect students on college campuses or might simply be in the news, with no effect on Miami's campus.

To stay healthy, get your vaccines, take time to rest, and drink plenty of water. Wash your hands and avoid sharing food and drinks.

If you need to schedule an appointment to see a provider at Student Health Services, call 529-3000, option 1. Same-day appointments are available on a frist-come, first-served basis, but are not guaranteed.

A student at the health clinic is having their blood pressure taken.

COVID-19

COVID-19 usually causes respiratory symptoms similar to a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. It can also affect other parts of the body. While most people have mild symptoms, some can become seriously ill.

Hay Fever (Seasonal Allergies)

Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, happens when your body reacts to allergens like pollen, dust, or mold. These reactions can lead to sneezing, congestion, and other nasal symptoms.

A student is in a patient room talking with a doctor.

Head Lice

Head lice are tiny insects that live on your scalp. They spread through close contact or by sharing items like hats, combs, or hair accessories. Lice are more common in close living situations. Personal hygiene has nothing to do with getting head lice. Head lice can be treated effectively with over-the-counter medications.