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Short answer What to do Getting around while sick at MIT Living situation at MIT Care near MIT 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 MIT
MIT runs on problem sets and lab hours, so the question is often whether to push through or rest.
You may be riding the Red Line at Kendall/MIT. Wear a mask on the T while you wait for your test result, and do not share drinks or utensils.
Living situation at MIT
MIT undergraduates live in dorms and in fraternities, sororities and independent living groups, so illness can move through a floor or house quickly. Do not share cups, towels or utensils with roommates until you have taken antibiotics for 12 to 24 hours.
Care near MIT
Your first stop is usually MIT Medical. Call or check its website for hours and how to be seen. For emergencies, Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge or a Boston hospital across the Charles River or call 911. Pymander is free to text and is not affiliated with MIT. 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 MIT? 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 MIT? 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 MIT: 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 MIT?
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 MIT?
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.