Dear Student,
As the days grow colder and we spend more time indoors, we are seeing increases in both seasonal illnesses and COVID-19 cases on campus. In the past few days, we have begun seeing cases of norovirus, influenza, mono, and strep throat. All of these illnesses are contagious but there are things you can do to protect yourself and prevent their spread.
What you can do:
- Get a flu shot. Even healthy people can become sick with the flu and get complications, including pneumonia. Flu vaccines are available at many local pharmacies. Please don’t wait. If you have not yet been vaccinated, you should do so now.
- If you are eligible, get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. The university is holding booster shot clinics and will continue to do so but has limited supplies. Please get a booster from your local pharmacy over the Thanksgiving or winter break if you are eligible.
- Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. Flu and norovirus can spread very easily from surface contact. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not share eating utensils.
- Wear a mask indoors or whenever you are near others. Masks have proven their effectiveness in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 but also seasonal colds and the flu. Last year’s cold and flu season was mild because of everyone’s attention to mask wearing, social distancing, and good hygiene.
- Avoid crowded, indoor situations. As COVID, flu, norovirus, and common colds begin to circulate in our community, one of the best preventative measures you can take is to avoid crowded indoor situations. Especially avoid situations where people are not wearing masks.
We know how hard you’ve worked to get to this point in the semester and these illnesses can have an impact on your health for days or weeks.
Please take these precautions immediately and help us prevent any widespread outbreaks of these illnesses. We know they are now circulating and that they are highly contagious. Thank you in advance for your willingness to take these precautions.
With appreciation,
Michelle Bowdler, MSPH
Executive Director, Health & Wellness
Marie Caggiano, MD, MPH
Medical Director, Health Service
Camille Lizarríbar, JD, PhD
Dean of Student Affairs and Chief Student Affairs Officer for AS&E
