Current Health Issues Commonly Seen on Campus

Stomach Illness with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea:

Most commonly caused by a Norovirus

There are many strains of Noroviruses – this is why you can get a stomach bug multiple time

See more info on below CDC site: How to Prevent Norovirus | Norovirus | CDC

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever

Usually last for 1-3 days

Can still be contagious up to 2 weeks after symptoms are gone

-Avoid being close to others

-Do not share food or drinks

-Wash hands with soap and water (hand sanitizers do not kill noroviruses)

-Once you have stopped vomiting for at least 2 hrs, take small sips of water/light juices/Gatorade every 5-10 min.

-Use ant-acid stomach meds like Pepto-Bismol to decrease stomach acid and diarrhea

-Be seen by a medical provider if you are no better after day 3 or cannot keep fluids down after day 4

Respiratory/cold Illnesses: 

Most usually caused by common viruses, RSV, Influenza/Flu, COVID

These viruses share similar routes of transmission, symptoms, and prevention approaches

See more info on the below sites:

Treatment of Respiratory Viruses | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

7 tips to combat viral upper respiratory illness - Mayo Clinic News Network

Cough, sore throat, fever body aches, post nasal drip, tiredness

Very contagious right before symptoms starts and while you have a fever

-Avoid being close to others

-Do not share food or drinks

-Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer often

-Wear a mask if you must be near someone or out in public

-Treat symptoms with over-the-counter cold medications

-Read medication instructions and re-dose as often as it allows

-Drink fluid equal to half your body weight. Drink whatever tastes good to you but avoid alcohol, caffeine, milk products

-Rest, sleep, avoid extra activity or exercise while very ill

-Speak to a medical provider if you have other major health issues or if symptoms do not get better after 10 days

-Consider discussing treatment with an antiviral medication with our provider

-Antibiotics do not kill a viral infection