Prevention: Respiratory Viruses

COVID-19

PSU has adopted the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations regarding COVID-19. These recommendations were issued by the CDC on August 18, 2025.  

COVID-19 is being treated with similar precautions as flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and other respiratory illnesses.  Please stay home and away from others if you are experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms, such as but not limited to: cough, sore throat, runny nose, chills, fatigue, headache, body aches.

Updated cDC COVID-19 CARE RECOMMENDATIONS

NOTE: There will no longer be a mandatory isolation period.

Guidance: When To Return to Normal Activities

You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:

o        Your symptoms are getting better overall, and

• You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
• When you go back to your normal activities, take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as taking steps for cleaner air, practicing good hygiene, wearing a well-fitted mask, physical distancing, or testing for times when you will be around other people. Taking precaution is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.

o        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 after your symptoms fully resolve but some people, like those with immunocompromising conditions, can shed the virus for a long time.

• If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again. If your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever and are not using fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours, you can resume normal activities again. You should then take added precaution for the next 5 days as listed above.

*Symptoms may include but are not limited to chest discomfort, chills, cough, decrease in appetite, diarrhea, fatigue (tiredness), fever or feeling feverish, headache, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, vomiting, weakness, wheezing.

When you have a respiratory virus infection, you can spread it to others. How long someone can spread the virus depends on different factors, including how sick they are (severity), underlying medical conditions (such as having a weakened immune system), and how long their illness lasts (duration). This is not the same for everyone.

When your symptoms are getting better overall and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours, you are typically less contagious, but it still takes more time for your body to fully get rid of the virus. During this time, you may still be able to spread the virus to others. Using precautions for the next 5 days can help reduce this risk. After this 5-day period, you are typically much less likely to be contagious. However, some people, especially people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus for a longer period of time. For COVID-19, taking a test can help you know how likely you are to spread the virus. A positive test tends to mean it is more likely that you can spread the virus to others at the time that you are tested.

For any health-related concerns, contact your primary healthcare provider or Health Services. 

For University specific questions, contact:
Katie Caron
Director of Health and Environmental Safety
krcaron@plymouth.edu
603-535-2244