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Short answer What to do Getting around while sick at BU Living situation at BU Care near BU When to get help right away Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesWait until you have taken antibiotics for 12 to 24 hours and your fever is gone, then you can go back to class.
Strep throat needs a test and antibiotics. It spreads through coughs and shared cups, so stay away from others until you have been treated for 12 to 24 hours.
What to do
- Get a strep test at your campus health center or urgent care
- Take the full course of antibiotics
- Do not share cups, utensils or toothbrushes
- Change your toothbrush after a day or two on antibiotics
Getting around while sick at BU
BU's campus stretches along the Charles River, so a trip to the nearest clinic can mean a long walk or a T ride.
You may be riding the Green Line B branch along Commonwealth Avenue. Wear a mask on the T while you wait for your test result, and do not share drinks or utensils.
Living situation at BU
Many BU students live in off-campus apartments in Allston, Brighton and Fenway, where roommates share kitchens and bathrooms. Do not share cups, towels or utensils with roommates until you have taken antibiotics for 12 to 24 hours.
Care near BU
Your first stop is usually BU Student Health Services on Commonwealth Avenue. Call or check its website for hours and how to be seen. For emergencies, Boston Medical Center in the South End or call 911. Pymander is free to text and is not affiliated with Boston University. It is a medical AI, not a licensed doctor.
When to get help right away
Trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, a stiff neck with fever, or being unable to keep fluids down are reasons to go to urgent care or the ER, or call 911.
Common questions from students
Can I ride the Green Line B branch with strep? Wear a mask on the T while you wait for your test result, and do not share drinks or utensils.
What should I tell my roommates at BU? Do not share cups, towels or utensils with roommates until you have taken antibiotics for 12 to 24 hours.
Should I tell my professor at BU? If you will miss class or an exam, email your professor and ask your campus health center for a note if you need one.
Is it a real doctor? No. It is a medical AI system, not a licensed doctor. In an emergency, call 911.
Common questions
Strep throat at BU: when can I go back to class?
Wait until you have taken antibiotics for 12 to 24 hours and your fever is gone, then you can go back to class. Strep throat needs a test and antibiotics. It spreads through coughs and shared cups, so stay away from others until you have been treated for 12 to 24 hours.
Can I ride the Green Line B branch with strep?
Wear a mask on the T while you wait for your test result, and do not share drinks or utensils.
What should I tell my roommates at BU?
Do not share cups, towels or utensils with roommates until you have taken antibiotics for 12 to 24 hours.
Should I tell my professor at BU?
If you will miss class or an exam, email your professor and ask your campus health center for a note if you need one.
Is it a real doctor?
No. It is a medical AI system, not a licensed doctor. In an emergency, call 911.