Hours of Operation
Beginning Monday, August 16 the University Health Center will be open during the following hours.
Urgent Care Hours
Mon. – Wed. 7:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Closed for lunch 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Please call 540-568-6178 prior to arriving.
Pharmacy Hours
Mon. – Wed. 7:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Closed for lunch noon – 1 p.m.
General Medicine Hours
Mon. – Wed. 7:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Closed for lunch 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
JMU Health Center
JMU Health Center
COVID-19 Testing
Call for an appointment.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please follow these instructions. This includes information for week days and weekend.
If JMU is closed or delayed, the UHC will be on the university’s schedule. If you have an appointment during the time we’re closed, please reschedule using MyJMUChart or by calling 540.568.6178 option 2.
After Hours
SRMH Emergency Dept: 540-689-1300
Emergicare: 540-432-9996
MedExpress: 540-432-3080
Valley Urgent Care: 540-434-5709
Emergency
On-campus: 540-568-6911
Off-campus: 911
ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP
a letter to our patients
Dear James Madison University Health Center Patient,
According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistant bacteria is one of the greatest public health threats today.
In the U.S. alone this leads to more than 2 million infections and over 23,000 deaths each year.
Antibiotic resistant bacteria should be a concern for everyone since it is a problem that can affect any of us. A major contributor to this problem is inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics. Prescribing antibiotics (or expecting antibiotics) for viral
illnesses or illnesses that will resolve on their own is not appropriate and is an area that outpatient health centers must focus
on. In addition, problems with medication side-effects, allergic reactions, and secondary infections resulting from antibiotic
use are major concerns.
With a goal to practice safe, evidence-based medicine, we are focusing on Antibiotic Stewardship. Simply put, Antibiotic
Stewardship is choosing the right antibiotic at the right time at the right dose for the right duration. The goal is to optimize clinical outcomes while minimizing unintended consequences.
Medical studies from outpatient settings show the following diagnoses are commonly associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing: sore throat (pharyngitis), cough illness (frequently called “bronchitis”), sinus congestion (rhinosinusitis),
conjunctivitis (pink eye), and the common cold (upper respiratory infections). Overwhelming medical data show that 90%
or more of these illnesses are viral related and will not improve with antibiotics. Antibiotics should only be used when a
medical test (like a strep test) or clinical findings (such as pneumonia) clearly supports the need for such medication.
Many patients (and you may be one) have received antibiotics in the past for an illness that would have gotten better on its
own without the antibiotic. As a result of this experience, you may believe that you need an antibiotic when you develop a
similar illness. It is important to realize that the antibiotic was likely unnecessary and you would have gotten better just as
fast without taking it.
We know no one wants to be sick and every one of us wants to get better as fast as possible. Most of these common viral
illnesses take anywhere from 5-14 days to run their course and antibiotics will not change that. Self-care (rest, fluids, and
over-the-counter medications directed at your symptoms) is all that can be done for these illnesses. At times patients may
feel that their medical provider “didn’t do anything” for them. It is important to recognize that 1) there may be nothing
specific a medical provider can do since these viral illnesses must resolve on their own, and 2) the medical provider is making
sure there is not a more serious illness and can provide you with recommendations on how to treat the illness.
The James Madison University Health Center takes pride in practicing evidence-based medicine and is committed to caring
for our patients based on best medical practices. This is reflected in our commitment to fight the development of antibiotic
resistant bacteria.
Sincerely,
Andrew T. Guertler, MD
Medical Director, University Health Center
James Madison University
Do I Need Antibiotics for My Cough?
• About 90% of cough-related illnesses are caused by viruses.
• Antibiotics do not cure viral infections. They will resolve on their own.
• The presence of sputum, either clear or discolored, does not help indicate who may need antibiotics.
• Chest colds lasting more than 3 weeks are unusual and may be a reason for a course of antibiotics.
• We want to identify the cause of the cough to help direct treatment. The following things can cause patients to cough
Do I Need Antibiotics For Pink Eye?
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of a thin membrane that covers the white of the eye. This can be caused by infections
(viruses or bacteria), allergies, chemicals, contact lens use (especially extended-wear) and a few other rare causes. Bacterial
conjunctivitis is less common in patients older than the age of 5. BUT the most common cause of pink eye from infection in
college students is viruses. This is why young children will frequently be treated with antibiotic drops and why adults do not
need antibiotic drops.
Pink eye will cause eye irritation (like a sandy feeling) but not significant eye pain. Discharge can be watery or thicker with a
yellow or green color. Your eyelids may be glued shut in the morning from the discharge.
Medical studies of infectious conjunctivitis have shown the following results:
1) Viral causes are more common in adults especially when the patient has an associated head cold.
2) Yellow or green colored eye discharge does NOT mean the infection is from a bacteria.
3) Viral pink eye will resolve on its own usually within 5 days.
4) Bacterial pink eye will resolve on its own (no antibiotic eye drops) typically within 7 days.
5) Both are contagious and passed along by direct contact so hand washing is a key component to limiting spread.
There are some home and over-the counter remedies you can use to help decrease symptoms.
JMU Health Center