Respiratory Viruses Information

Respiratory Viruses (e.g. COVID-19, Flu) Information

The CDC has updated its community guidance for respiratory viral illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. This unified approach aims to make recommendations easier to understand and follow while continuing to protect those most at risk for severe illness.

Further guidance is anticipated to be released on infection control for a number of pathogens that can affect educational settings prior to the Fall 2024 semester.

Key Prevention Strategies:

• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations for COVID-19, flu, and RSV if eligible
• Practice good hygiene (cover coughs/sneezes, wash hands, clean surfaces)
• Improve indoor air quality (open windows, use air purifiers, gather outdoors)

If You Get Sick:

• Stay home and away from others
• Contact a medical provider for possible treatment, especially if you are at higher-risk of severe illness
• Return to normal activities once symptoms have improved for 24 hours (and no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication)
• For 5 days after resuming activities:

Wear a well-fitted mask around others

Keep distance and take precautions for cleaner air

Consider testing to help inform your activities and prevent spread

Those at Higher Risk:

• Enhanced precautions are strongly recommended around higher-risk individuals like older adults,young children, people with compromised immune systems, people with disabilities, and pregnant people
• Staying away from others when sick limits possible exposure to higher-risk individuals