Respiratory Virus Guidance

Updated Information- March 2024

Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick

In accordance with CDC guidance, 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 steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing  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. 
  • Antigen testing is available at Student Health Services by appointment. Please call 570-941-7667 to make an appointment at our on-campus clinic.
  • Students can secure high-quality masks from Student Health Services, Printing and Mailing facility on Jefferson Avenue, and from their respective deans' offices, or from University Police in the evening hours. 
  • Students who need medical accommodations should contact the Office of Student Support & Success (OSSS) for academic accommodation and the Office of Equity & Diversity for non-academic accommodation. 
  • If an individual chooses to wear a mask, high-quality masks (e.g. N95, KN95 or KF94) are recommended. These  follow guidance from the CDC. All masks should be well-fitted and must cover both the mouth and nose. 
  • NOTE: Individuals may ask, but not require, guests in personal spaces (i.e. offices, residence hall rooms, research laboratories) to wear a mask.  
Grounded in our Catholic and Jesuit mission, and in a commitment to community that defines and distinguishes us, our Campus Health and Safety Measures are grounded in a shared responsibility to keep each other safe. Vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently the best way to ensure the health and safety of our communities. The University recommends strongly that all members of our community, especially individuals with health conditions that place them at greater risk of serious illness, stay up to date with the current COVID-19 vaccination. 
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