Respiratory Virus Guidance

On this page:

• Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
• Flu
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)
• Prevention
• FAQ

In March 2024, the CDC updated and simplified its respiratory virus recommendations to include COVID-19, flu and RSV. The guidelines recommend that when people get sick, they stay home and away from others. There are treatments available for people with flu and COVID-19, which can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. Other core prevention strategies include:

• Staying up to date with vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
• Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
• Taking steps for cleaner air by bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor, or gathering outdoors.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It emerged in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread globally, leading to a pandemic. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Preventative measures like staying home when ill, wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and vaccination have been crucial in controlling its spread.

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and particles that contain the virus and other people breathe them in or they enter through their eyes, nose, or mouth. In some cases, the droplets may contaminate surfaces they touch. COVID-19 often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel similar to a cold, the flu, or pneumonia.

Flu

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. People 65 years and older, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk of serious flu complications. Influenza A and Influenza B are the two main types of flu viruses that are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.

Getting vaccinated for the seasonal flu virus is the best way to reduce the risk of flu and its complications.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but it can be serious especially for infants and older adults. A vaccine is available for adults over 60 years of age and pregnant women, when advised by your healthcare provider.

Prevention

The CDC recommends seven core prevention steps and strategies to protect people and communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, including:

1. Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses
   • Talk to your healthcare provider for your best vaccine strategy.
   • Most people benefit from getting a current flu and COVID-19 vaccine.
   • Adults ages 60 years and older and pregnant mothers should discuss the RSV vaccine with their medical provider.
2. Hygiene and Respiratory Virus Prevention
   • Taking steps to improve cleanliness is a core prevention strategy to lower risk from respiratory viruses.
   • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash. Use your elbow, not your hand, if a tissue is not available for sneezes and coughs.
   • Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.
3. Taking Steps for Cleaner Air for Respiratory Virus Prevention
   • Maintain HVAC systems and change filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
   • Move activities outdoor, where airflow is best.
4. Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick
   • Follow the most recent CDC guidelines.
   • Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have symptoms that are not better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.
   • You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
     • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
     • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
   • When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
     • You may still be able to spread the virus, even if you are feeling better.
     • If you develop a fever or start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.
5. Masks and Respiratory Virus Prevention
   • Masks can help act as a filter to reduce the number of germs you breathe in or out. The type, fit, and type of virus may affect their ability to block the virus. Cloth masks offer lower levels of protection, surgical masks offer more protection, and NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators (e.g., N95 respirators) offer the most protection.
6. Physical Distancing and Respiratory Viruses
   • The closer you are to an individual who has a respiratory virus, the more likely you are to catch it.
   • Avoid being near someone who has respiratory virus symptoms.
   • Avoid crowded areas where you may be unable to maintain physical distance.
7. Testing and Respiratory Viruses
   • Tests can help you find out if your are currently infected with a certain respiratory virus.
   • Plan in advance of any illness so you can be ready to get tested quickly.
   • Antigen tests can be used for screening before gathering with others.

The use of masks is an effective strategy to further protect yourself and others. Surgical masks and KN95s are available at the Student Union Welcome Desk and Dunbar Library on the Dayton Campus and at the main entrance by Student Services, the Library entrance of Andrews Hall, the Agriculture and Water Quality Education Building, and Trenary Hall at the Lake Campus.

We urge all community members to respect the decisions of others and continue to take any necessary personal precautions against respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. If you prefer that visitors to your office or residence hall room wear a face mask, you can print out the following sign to affix to your door: Wear a Face Mask Flyer (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions