Prevent respiratory illness 

Follow these guidelines to avoid respiratory illness including COVID, flu, and more this year.

CDC Poster describing the respiratory virus guidance snapshot. Core prevention strategies: Immunizations, Hygeine, Steps for Cleaner Air, Treatment, and Stay Home and Prevent the Spead. Additional strategies: masks, distancing and tests. Stay home and away from other until, for 24 hours both: your symptoms are getting better plus you are fever-free without meds. Then take added precaution for the next 5 days. Layering prevention strategies can be especially helpful when: respiratory viruses are causing alot

Enhance your immune system

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is an important step to staying healthy though check with your primary healthcare professional to learn what’s right for you. Make an appointment at Student Health Services or find a vaccine near you to receive any of the vaccinations below.

  • COVID and flu: The CDC recommends getting updated 2024-2025 COVID and flu vaccines this fall and winter. Vaccines are available for ages six months and up. 
  • Measles: Measles is a highly contagious disease, but full vaccination is 97% effective at prevention. 
  • Pertussis: Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a very contagious disease that can start mild and progress to a severe cough and complications for people with certain medical conditions. Pertussis cases are much higher than usual in Minnesota this year.  
  • Other important vaccines: Depending on your age and health, you may be a candidate to receive the RSV and the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines.

In addition, follow these six healthy habits from the CDC to help improve your immunity.

Wash your hands

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for 20 seconds or more with soap and warm water. If you don’t have access to those, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Stay informed

Track the frequency of COVID-19 in the state. If the incidence is high, consider additional indoor precautions, like masking, maintaining six feet of social distance, and avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.

What to do if you’re sick

Get tested  

  • At home COVID tests: All Minnesotans can order free at home COVID from the Minnesota Department of Health.  At home tests are also available for purchase at most pharmacies.
    • Note: Positive COVID tests do not need to be reported to MDH or your health provider. If you test positive for COVID 19, follow these guidelines from the MN Department of Health.
  • If you have symptoms and need a test for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, strep or other illness, University students, staff, and faculty can make an appointment for testing by calling or walking in at one of the Local Agencies, such as Altru Clinic or RiverView Health.

Prevent the spread 

  • For COVID, inform your close contacts that they may have been exposed and should seek testing. 
  • Stay home if you can, get plenty of rest, and see the excused absence policy for students or employees
    Student Self Reporting Absence Form
  • Stay hydrated and avoid drinks with sugar, caffeine, or alcohol.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. Wearing a well-fitting, multi-layered mask is effective.
  • Follow the CDC’s guidance for more information on preventing the spread of all respiratory illnesses.

Wearing a face mask

University of Minnesota faculty, staff, students, and visitors (including contractors, service providers, vendors, and suppliers) are required to wear a mask only in the following locations:

  • In posted healthcare settings
  • In settings where Personal Protective Equipment is required due to environmental or hazardous material conditions

Everyone may wear a mask in settings that do not require them if they choose. The University expects all community members to respect those who choose to wear a mask, as well as those who choose not to wear one.

If you have specific masking concerns, please contact hsrm@umn.edu.

High-quality masks are available free of charge for students to pick up at all University residence halls/apartments.

Faculty and staff may order masks from U Market Services through their departments. We are continuing the Mask Support Program for anyone with special healthcare concerns who may benefit from specialized consultation.

You may find information on mask fit and material from Health and Safety and Risk Management (HSRM).

Questions?

Contact Nan Widseth, U of M Crookston Nurse