Fall 2024 Respiratory Virus Protocol
There have been no further updates to the respiratory virus protocol from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), except to add possible prevention steps that can be taken. These will be found at the end of this protocol. On March 1, 2024, the CDC updated their respiratory virus protocols so that Covid-19 has been placed in the same category with influenza (flu A&B), RSV, and other respiratory illnesses. Protocols for all these virus’ are the same.
Individuals who are feeling ill are encouraged to contact the clinic (502-897-4497) for an appointment with a provider especially if they have a fever. Covid-19 tests will continue to be free for students and employees. Family members of students and employees must pay for them. Testing can also be done for influenza ( A and B) and RSV as part of an office visit.
Respiratory virus symptoms include severe chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, body aches, headaches, mild sore throats, along with a fever. The patient may have one or more of these symptoms. If an individual is feeling unwell, especially if they have a fever, they are asked to please stay out of public spaces (gym, cafeteria, class, chapel, etc.) until they have been without a fever and resolving symptoms for 24 hours.
Positive test for Covid-19, Influenza A or B, RSV, or other respiratory viral illness.
- Please refrain from class or public spaces. For those living in Carver and the Boyce dorms, please contact your RA for assistance in obtaining meals from the cafeteria. Isolate in your own room (but do get outside for some fresh air!)
- You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true: 1. Your symptoms are getting better overall AND
2. You have not had a fever ( without using fever-reducing medication)
Please note: even if you are feeling better, you may continue to be mildly contagious. Be careful around those who are elderly or more prone to illness.
If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until once more, your symptoms are resolving and you have not had a fever for 24 hours.
The use of masks are optional on this campus. You may be asked to consider wearing one when you are exhibiting a fever and have obvious symptoms of a respiratory illness.
We also encourage students and staff to be vigilant in helping to prevent any respiratory virus from spreading.
These steps include – but are not limited to:
- If you are feeling sick, or exhibiting any viral respiratory symptoms – please stay home and refrain from attending classes or be in a public space (i.e the cafeteria, HRC…)
- Get fresh air in your home or dorm room. Consider opening the windows to “air out” your space, or possibly getting a hepa air-filter to help clean your air.
- If in doubt if you have a respiratory virus – come to the clinic and test.
- Maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene.
- Good nutrition and supplements to have a healthy immune system.
Source: THE CDC – Respiratory Illnesses 03/01/2024