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DU Your Part to Stop the Spread

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Author(s)

Therese Mashak

Public Health Project Manager

Announcement  •
Campus Life  •

Dear DU Community,

Welcome back!ÌýWe hope you enjoyed your ²ú°ù±ð²¹°ì.ÌýDuring this time, many of youÌýtraveled, visited with friends and family, andÌýparticipated inÌývarious celebrations, which may haveÌýledÌýto exposure to a variety of viruses.ÌýAs we begin the quarter and comeÌýtogetherÌýin enclosed spaces,Ìýit is easy for germs to spread. This time ofÌýyear,Ìýwe typically see an increase inÌýcases of flu, COVID,Ìýcommon colds, and norovirus.Ìý

WhileÌýmedicinesÌýmay mitigate symptomsÌýfor some of theseÌýillnesses,Ìýviruses like norovirusÌýdo not respond toÌýmedications and analgesics. Norovirus is a common illness thatÌýspreadsÌýeasilyÌýthroughÌýdirect contact with infected individuals as well as through contaminatedÌýfood, water, and surfaces.ÌýSymptoms of norovirus, sometimes referred to as the “stomach fluâ€� or a “stomach bug,â€�ÌýincludeÌýnausea, vomiting,ÌýandÌýdiarrheaÌýso staying hydrated is very important.Ìý

HereÌýare someÌýpreventionÌýmethodsÌýto helpÌýstop the spread of viruses and reduce the chances of becoming ill.Ìý

  • Stay up to date on your COVID and flu vaccinations.
  • Wash your handsÌýcarefullyÌýwith soap andÌýwaterÌýespecially after using the bathroom,Ìýand always before eating, preparing, or handling food.ÌýAlcohol-basedÌýhand sanitizer aloneÌýis not sufficientÌýto killÌýall viruses, including norovirus.
  • Stay hydrated. If you experience symptoms of norovirus, takeÌýsmall frequent sips of water or other electrolyte-based fluids like Pedialyte or Gatorade.Ìý
  • Avoid contact with others when you are sick.ÌýContinue these precautions for 2-3 days after you are feeling betterÌýas the virus is still around.
  • Wash contaminated laundry thoroughly on the longest wash cycle and then machine dry them.
  • Wash fruits andÌývegetables andÌýcook foodÌýthoroughly.
  • Clean andÌýdisinfectÌýcontaminated surfaces.ÌýNoroviruses are resistant to many commonly used disinfectants. IfÌýNorovirus is suspected,ÌýÌý(1/3 cup – 1.5 cupsÌýof household bleach per gallon of water).

These simple steps can help you avoid getting sick and help prevent the spread of theseÌýviruses.

For studentsÌýwithÌýspecial circumstances that might require medical attention (dehydration, fever, severe abdominal pain, ongoing symptoms)Ìýplease contact the Health and Counseling Center with any questions. You canÌýleave aÌýsecure message viaÌýÌýor call 303.871.2205. PleaseÌýcontactÌýthe Health and Counseling CenterÌýby phone rather than coming in person if you are experiencing symptoms.Ìý

EmployeesÌýrequiring medical attention, please contact your healthcare provider.

Remember, the best wayÌýto help preventÌýnorovirusÌýand other communicable illnessesÌýis to practice proper hand washing and general cleanliness.ÌýFor more information, visitÌý.


Sincerely,

Michael LaFarr
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Health &ÌýWellness
DU Health & Counseling Center

Therese Mashak
Public Health Project Manager
Enterprise Risk Management