Covid-19 and Other Respiratory Illnesses
- Be up to date with vaccines for flu, COVID-19, RSV, pneumonia, etc. Be on the lookout for flu vaccine pop-up clinics in the fall!
- Stay home when you are sick (following recommendations below)
- Use hand and respiratory hygiene
- Wear a mask around others, especially if symptomatic o Get tested for flu and COVID-19, so that you can get treatment. Students can schedule an appointment at health services for testing.
- Avoid crowded areas
- Increase fresh air
Students who are sick and need medical evaluation, testing, and treatment should schedule an appointment with campus health services.
Stay home if you experience symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as a fever, sore throat, cough, or runny/stuffy nose. MADPH Guidance
You can begin normal activities with precautions if:
- you’ve had no fever for 24 hours (without medications) AND
- your other symptoms are improving
You may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. For at least 5 days after you resume normal activities, these additional precautions are recommended:
- Avoid crowded indoor spaces and/or wear a mask when indoors around other people
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid spending time with people at an increased risk for severe disease
Healthcare professionals should follow the more strict 5+ day isolation guidance for COVID-19, found in more detail here: MADPH Guidance in a healthcare setting
Exposures: You do NOT need to stay home if you’ve had an exposure, as long as you do not have any symptoms. You should monitor yourself closely for symptoms and stay home if you start to develop any signs of illness. You can also consider masking when indoors around others or in crowded spaces.
Faculty Guidance for managing student attendance and absences
Call 978.542.3240, SSU’s public health line for students and employees if you have additional questions or need individualized guidance.