(COVID-19, Influenza, RSV and Other Respiratory Infections)
During the past year, the situation around COVID-19 has changed. It is still a health concern, but for most people it is no longer the emergency that it once was. More and more people have immunity to COVID-19 either from vaccination or actual infection. For most people, the symptoms are like other common respiratory illnesses, including colds, influenza and RSV.
Because of this, the CDC has released new Respiratory Virus Guidance. This guidance contains instructions for people with common respiratory illnesses. It also includes strategies to protect people who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill. It is similar to guidelines we have always used to reduce the spread of illness on campus.
Follow these steps if you become ill:
- Limit your contact with other people.
- Although strict isolation is no longer required, ill students and employees should avoid close contact with others to avoid spreading infection. This is especially important to protect high risk people, such the elderly or people with health conditions.
- Students with fever should not attend class or other activities. They should not eat in the cafeteria and may need to ask their friends to pick up food for them while they are ill.
- Ill students or their roommates may consider staying in one of the “sick rooms” in their residence halls during this time.
- Some students who live in town or close by might consider going home.
- Return to normal activities when you meet both of the following criteria:
- You have not had a fever for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
- Your symptoms have been getting better for 24 hours. Some people will not have a fever. That’s why its also important to pay attention to other symptoms (body aches, fatigue and cough).
- Continue to be careful around other people for the next 5 days. Avoid people who are at higher risk of serious complications from illness. This includes people with known health conditions, elderly people, grandparents and older faculty/staff members.
Take Action to Avoid Illness
The University encourages students, faculty, and staff to take appropriate caution and follow good hygienic practices. There are simple steps to take that can limit the spread of the virus.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Obtain a flu vaccine when they are available.
More information is available from the CDC at CDC’s Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance: What to Do When You Are Sick | NCIRD | CDCe: What to Do When You Are Sick | NCIRD | CDC