COVID-19 Update and Health Information
Dear Campus,
As we move deeper into allergy, cold, and flu season, we ask you to be aware of your health, monitor symptoms, and take precautions to stay healthy. These illnesses haven’t been very prevalent in the past year or so because of the layers of COVID-19 precautions. However, we are starting to see them return.
COVID-19, ALLERGY, FLU AND COLD SYMPTOMS
COVID-19, allergies, flu and cold symptoms can seem very similar, and it can be difficult to know the difference. Consider this chart, adopted from the Mayo Clinic, as a guide to help you identify what symptoms pertain to what illnesses.
| SYMPTOM OR SIGN | COVID-19 | COLD | FLU | ALLERGY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cough |
Usually (dry) |
Usually |
Usually |
Sometimes |
|
Muscle aches |
Usually |
Sometimes |
Usually |
Never |
|
Tiredness |
Usually |
Sometimes |
Usually |
Sometimes |
|
Sneezing |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Never |
Usually |
|
Sore throat |
Usually |
Usually |
Usually |
Rarely |
|
Runny or stuffy nose |
Usually |
Usually |
Usually |
Usually |
|
Fever |
Usually |
Sometimes |
Usually |
Never |
|
Diarrhea |
Sometimes |
Never |
Sometimes (more common in children) |
Never |
|
Nausea or vomiting |
Sometimes |
Never |
Sometimes (more common in children) |
Never |
|
New loss of taste or smell |
Usually |
Sometimes (especially with a stuffy nose) |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
|
Itchy nose, eyes, mouth, or inner ear |
Rarely |
Never |
Never |
Usually |
|
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) |
Sometimes |
Never |
Never |
Sometimes |
|
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing |
Usually |
Rarely |
Usually |
Sometimes |
*scale rankings - usually, sometimes, rarely, never
BASIC PRECAUTIONS
While colds, flu, allergies, and COVID-19 may be treated differently, the same basic precautions can help keep you healthy. Consider the following safety measures:
-
Get vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu
-
Wash your hands frequently
-
Avoid touching your face
-
Stay away from crowds and people who are sick
-
Practice social distancing
-
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others
WHEN TO TEST
If your symptoms are consistent with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, you should get tested. Students, when you contact the Health Center, they’ll help you decide whether you should test for COVID-19. If you’re exhibiting symptoms and waiting for a COVID-19 test result, you should self-quarantine, which means stay home and limit your exposure to others until the test has been returned.
MISSING CLASSES OR WORK
The process for missing class and/or work due to illness may vary. Please consider this information as guidance. Use common sense and be proactive.
As with any illness, you should stay home if you aren’t feeling well. While the Health Center will only provide official class exemptions for students who are COVID-19 positive or are officially in quarantine, we’re asking faculty to work with students who may not be feeling well due to illnesses. Students, remember you must let your faculty know if you’ll miss class. They aren’t required to offer remote learning, and it’s up to you to discuss any assignments with your instructors to ensure you’re completing all of the course requirements.
This information also pertains to faculty and staff. If you aren’t feeling well, please stay home and take care of yourself. Let your supervisor know if you’ll miss work. There are always exceptions and a variety of scenarios. Please consider this information as guidance. Use common sense, be supportive, and be proactive.
Our campus numbers look good and that's thanks to you. We are nearing a 90% vaccination rate for employees and students which is well above the national average. Our weekly positivity rate has stayed relatively low. It has consistently been just over 1%. This is great news! Thank you for all you are doing to keep our campus community healthy and yourselves safe!