With the Omicron variant on the rise and a national shortage on COVID-19 testing many students may be wondering where they need to go to get tested and stay aware of their health. The Troy University Student Health Center is available for all students to get tested if they’re showing any symptoms.

“The big thing right now is testing, right, so testing has become pretty difficult to get out in the general community right now,” says Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Lance Tatum. ” We have plenty of tests that are available to us here at the university and I would encourage anyone that’s a student that feels like they have symptoms to go down to the health center and get tested.”

Many of the symptoms of the Omicron variant can be compared to a cold or even the flu making it difficult for people to know what they may have and making it even more crucial to get tested to keep yourself and others safe.

“We’re testing for COVID first because it’s a little bit more prominent right now and so if it comes back negative then we’ll get them in test them for the flu or strep,” says Student Health Center Nurse Practitioner Jacque Chirico. “A lot of the COVID symptoms are going with a sore throat too so it’s just hard to tell.”

With cases on the rise in the new year students on Troy University’s campus are encouraged to be conscious and aware of their health and if they’re showing any COVID symptoms before they head to class.

“With this strand the Omicron variant the the symptoms are a little more mild,” says Chirico. “People think they have either allergy or sinus symptoms. It’s usually some sinus congestion, runny nose. You can have a little sore throat with it and then most of them have a headache or some type of not feeling well.”

Student who are feeling sick and need to get tested can call the Student Health Center at 334-670-3452 to book an appointment and get tested.

For the full story watch Claudia’s report.