3/6/24 As COVID-19 has transitioned from pandemic to endemic, our priority at WLU has been to protect the vulnerable and keep our campus community as safe as possible. Widespread immunity and disease treatment has made it far less likely to develop severe illness. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released new recommendations for how to protect yourself from respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu), RSV, and COVID-19. WLU will continue to follow the guidance from the CDC and state and local health departments. For questions, please contact Student Health Services at 304-336-8049.

WLU Updated Guidance for Respiratory Illnesses

• If you are sick with a respiratory virus, stay away from others until your symptoms have been improving and you have not had a fever for 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medication.) Treatment is available at Student Health Services and Doctors Urgent Care and may lessen the symptoms and/or duration of the illness.
• You no longer must report a positive COVID-19 result.
• Notify your professors if you are not able to attend class.
• Residential students may stay in their dorm room. Please wear a mask if you must leave your room, such as when picking up food from the Union or Bear’s Den.
• Once you resume normal activities, wear a mask for 5 more days.
• If you are a roommate of a student with a respiratory illness, you may likely have already been exposed. If you do not feel comfortable staying in your room, please seek other temporary housing. If you are unable to find temporary housing, please reach out to the Office of Housing and Residence Life at 304-336-8345 for assistance.

Known Prevention Strategies for Respiratory Illnesses

Vaccination
Staying up to date with vaccination protects people from severe illness, hospitalization and even death. COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccination can be received at local pharmacies. Flu vaccination will continue to be offered at Student Health Services during flu season.

Good Hygiene
Good handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, disposing of used tissues, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces can help to prevent illness.

Cleaner Air
Allowing more fresh outside air in, time spent outdoors, and using indoor air purifiers can help keep air cleaner which decreases the transmission of respiratory illness.

Good Nutrition/Sleep/Exercise
The benefit of good nutrition, sleep, and exercise cannot be underestimated. A balanced diet, 7-9 hours of sleep at night, and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day helps the body to fight infection and disease.

CDC updates and simplifies respiratory virus recommendations | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC

*Guidelines subject to change