Help...I feel sick! Is it a cold? The Flu? COVID-19?

  • sick student in bed

    Everyone is back, and that includes significant increases in flu, colds, and other upper respiratory infections (URIs) 

What to do if you have a respiratory illness

Respiratory illnesses can spread very quickly on campus. To protect our campus community, it is important to keep the following recommendations in mind:
 

  • ISOLATION: Do not come to class/work if:
    • You have a fever higher than 100.4°F
    • Have symptoms so severe that they prevent you from washing your hands, wearing a mask, or performing your job duties safely
    • You are diagnosed with COVID, flu, or strep throat, whether by a provider or by a test (at home or in a medical setting).
  • RETURN TO CLASS/WORK: You may return to usual activity, masking for 10 days from when symptoms started, when:
    • You have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medications
    • For strep throat, when you have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours
    • Symptoms have improved enough to allow you to wear a mask continuously, wash your hands, and safely perform your duties
  • MASKING: If you have any of the following symptoms, wear a mask for 10 days from the start of symptoms, regardless of whether you are in class or not:
    • Cough
    • Nasal congestion or runny nose
    • Sore throat
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Loss of taste or smell
  • EXPOSURES: If you are exposed to anyone, on campus or off, who has symptoms of, or has been diagnosed with, a respiratory viral illness (flu, COVID, or RSV), wear a mask for 10 days and monitor yourself for symptoms.

If you have questions about whether you should work or when to return to work, please call the Student Health Service nurses at 603-646-9440. 

YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO GET VACCINATED 

No appointment required, walk-ins welcome! 

All members of our community are welcome to visit our pharmacy to receive the updated Flu and COVID vaccines for the 25-26 season.

COVID-19 Vaccine Info

  • Ages 12 thru 64 may receive the vaccine with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, per the CDC and FDA.
  • Ages 65 and over are eligible to receive the vaccine without regard to underlying conditions. 
  • We are only able to supply the Moderna COVID vaccine, "Spikevax"

Flu Vaccine Info

  • Ages 9 and over are eligible to receive the flu vaccine from our pharmacy. 
  • The pharmacy stocks Fluad for patients over 65.

How can I tell if it is COVID-19, the flu, a cold or just allergies?

 

Symptoms Comparison Table

If you are feeling any of these symptoms, you have help available to help you decide the best course of action. The nurses at Dick's House are available to help and dispense advice at 603-646-9440. The CDC has an excellent guide for respiratory virus guidance. There are COVID-19 tests and masks available for your use in the lobby at Dick's House and at locations around campus.

Regardless of your test result, stay home and away from others until, 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.

  • Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
  • 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, 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.

If you would like more guidance, you can always call the nurses at Dick's House at 603-646-9440.

WHAT CAN I DO TO FEEL BETTER?

Most respiratory virus symptoms can be managed successfully by an individual without evaluation by a health care provider.  A list of self-care guides for many common conditions can be found here.

If you get sick with flu or COVID, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option, but they are not used for everyone. Call the nursing line at 603-646-9440 if you are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses. Typically those at higher risk are older adults, young children, people with compromised immune systems, people with disabilities, and pregnant people.

 

 

 

COVID-19 and Flu vaccines available now!!

click here to find a shot today!