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Short answer What to do Getting around while sick at Harvard Living situation at Harvard Care near Harvard 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 Harvard
Harvard students often share dorms, houses and dining halls, so what you have can reach your roommates fast.
You may be riding the Red Line at Harvard Square. Wear a mask on the T while you wait for your test result, and do not share drinks or utensils.
Living situation at Harvard
First-years live in and around Harvard Yard, and upperclass students live in the residential Houses, so you may share a bathroom or dining hall with many people. Do not share cups, towels or utensils with roommates until you have taken antibiotics for 12 to 24 hours.
Care near Harvard
Your first stop is usually Harvard University Health Services (HUHS). Call or check its website for hours and how to be seen. For emergencies, Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge or call 911. Pymander is free to text and is not affiliated with Harvard 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 Red Line 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 Harvard? 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 Harvard? 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 Harvard: 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 Red Line 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 Harvard?
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 Harvard?
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.