Arik Mayer had just graduated from high school and was eagerly anticipating his new life as a college student. But during his first year at Idaho State University, he was diagnosed with COVID-19, strep throat, and cancer.

“Instead of enjoying being on campus, I was miserable,” he says.

Arik tested positive for COVID-19 first. Just as he was recovering, strep throat knocked him back down. Antibiotics helped, but an inflamed...