Information for Students about Respiratory Viral Illnesses

• Take your temperature with a reliable thermometer to see if you have a fever (temperatures above 100.4 F or 38 C). Data shows that it is difficult to know whether or not your core temperature is elevated beyond normal, based on how you feel. A thermometer gives you (and your care provider) objective diagnostic information that is helpful in your care. A thermometer will also help you be sure when a fever has resolved.
• Stay hydrated by drinking extra water. Recommended daily water intake ranges from 95-125 ounces (2.7-3.7 L) and you may need more if you are exercising and/or if you have fever. Avoid alcohol which can cause dehydration.
• Get regular and adequate amounts of sleep. Avoiding alcohol will also help with the quality of sleep.
• Use a cool mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion. Hot liquids and hot showers can help. There are also a variety of over-the-counter medications that help with nasal congestion, that are listed below.
• For sore throats, ice chips, sore throat spray or lozenges can help symptoms.
• Use saline gargles for sore throat 2-4 times per day. Mix 1/2 a teaspoon salt into 1/2 a glass of water.
   

Over-the-Counter Medications to Manage Symptoms

The following medications can assist in reducing symptoms and discomfort. Avoid products containing multiple medications, instead, treat specific symptoms. Use medicines according to package instructions or as directed by your healthcare provider. Stop medications when symptoms get better.

• For fever or body aches (Usual dosages for adults listed here. Use according to package instructions or as directed by your healthcare provider.):
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500mg-650mg every 4 hours, not to exceed 4000mg in 24 hours
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400mg-600mg every 6 hours
• To ease nasal and sinus congestion, try one:
  • Antihistamine (Benadryl - sedating; Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec - non-sedating
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed original formula - inquire at pharmacy counter with an ID)
  • Nasal Spray (Nasacort, Flonase)
• To lessen cough and chest congestion:
  • Dextromethorphan - cough suppressant
  • Guaifenesin - thins mucus and relieves chest congestion; or
  • Combination of both (Mucinex DM, Robitussin OM)

If you have a virus, then you can spread the virus to others, especially while you have intense symptoms. If you have a fever and or significant respiratory symptoms (for example, frequent cough), take these precautions to minimize spreading viruses:

• Stay away from others as much as possible, in your room, while you have intense symptoms.
• If you have to be around others, even for very short periods of time, wear a well fitted mask. If you need a mask, the Health Center has a limited supply available.
• While wearing a well fitted mask, you may leave your room to pick up your meals and take out your trash.
• If you are sharing a bedroom/sleeping space, it is best to stay apart from others as much as possible for while symptoms are more pronounced. 

The following precautions should be taken for 5 days after you are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medicine (Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen) for 24 hours and your respiratory symptoms have started improving:

• Wearing a well-fitted mask when around others and when you go to class or the dining hall.
• Other precautions you can take include frequent handwashing, socializing outside, and keeping a distance from others.

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Inability to stay hydrated or signs of dehydration, such as significant dizziness
• Confusion or severe headache
• High fever for more than five days

• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneeze. If you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, properly dispose of used tissues and use hand sanitizer afterwards.
• Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Do not share things that come in contact with your nose or mouth while sick.
• If you are sick and you are unable to stay home/limit contact with others, wear a mask to reduce spread.
• Get vaccinated for flu and COVID. 
  • Flu vaccines are available at the Student Health Center. 
  • COVID vaccines are available at local pharmacies.

• If you want to know if you have COVID in order to protect others around you from this particular infection, COVID tests are:
  • Available at local pharmacies, sometimes at no cost depending on your insurance 
  • Free COVID tests are available through the mail from COVIDTests.gov. 
  • The Student Health Center has a limited number of tests available to students as well to perform on their own or could be evaluated/tested by a healthcare provider. If you perform a self-test, the Health Center does not validate your results for class absence.
• During flu season, flu tests are available at Student Health Center by appointment only. These are not self-tests. Students will need to be evaluated by a healthcare provider and meet specific clinical criteria for testing.