Respiratory Virus Information
Respiratory virus illness information
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you live on campus, please call Public Safety for assistance at 651-523-2100.
The CDC has released updated guidance regarding the management of respiratory viral illnesses which includes COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
What do I do if I have symptoms of a respiratory virus or test positive for a respiratory virus?
Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren’t 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 precautions over the next five days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. (Preceding links from cdc.gov.).
- WEAR A MASK FOR FIVE DAYS
Centers for Disease Control. “Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick,” https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html. Accessed August 28, 2024.
- 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 five days.
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What do I do if I never had symptoms but tested positive for a respiratory virus:
You may be contagious. For the next five days, take added precautions, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. (Preceding links from cdc.gov.) This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.
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What if I need an appointment to be seen at Health Services?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you live on campus, please call Public Safety for assistance at 651-523-2100.
Medical providers at Health Services are able to help offer advice and guidance on symptom management. You can schedule an appointment on the patient portal or by calling 651-523-2204 during business hours. -
Do you recommend wearing a mask if I am sick
Yes! If you are sick, recently sick or exposed to someone who is sick, you should wear a mask to protect yourself and others. Masks are required in Health Services for any sick visits. Masks are available at Anderson Front Desk (as long as supplies last) and outside of Counseling & Health Services (basement of Manor Hall).
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Where can I get COVID or flu testing?
- COVID and flu tests are available with an appointment at Counseling and Health Services. Schedule an appointment on the patient portal or call 651-523-2204 during business hours.
- COVID tests can be found at local pharmacies, your primary care provider, urgent care or you can call your health insurance company for more information.
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Will there be an on-campus Vaccine Clinic in the fall again?
Yes! Hamline will host an outside provider to provide three vaccine clinics in the Fall, where we hope to have the Flu and COVID vaccines offered to students, faculty, staff and community members.
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Is isolation housing still available?
For ill individuals, isolation will occur in-place, which means in your residence hall, community housing or private home. Hamline does not have any isolation rooms available on campus at this time. Per the CDC guidelines, you should take extra precautions, including wearing a mask, physical distancing and testing.