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Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick

In accordance with , when students are sick with respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, it is recommended that they stay home and avoid contact with others (including those they live with who are not sick) if they experience respiratory virus symptoms (i.e., fever, chills, cough) that cannot be explained by another cause.  

• You can resume 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). 
  • If you develop a fever or 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 precautions for the next 5 days. 

• When you go back to your normal activities, take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as taking additional , , , and/or 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. 
• Testing and sick appointments are available for undergraduate students and graduate students, who have opted in for services, at Student Health Services by calling 570-941-7667. Masks and disposable thermometers are also available at Student Health Services. 
• Students are responsible for notifying faculty about any illness and absence from class. In the case of extended absence, students should communicate with the Dean’s Office within their academic college.