Protecting against Cold, Flu, and the Coronavirus: What You

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 14:11:46 -0500

Dear UMBC Community,

Welcome to the Spring Semester! UMBC is committed to keeping our community safe, healthy, and informed. This email provides an update on influenza in the State of Maryland as well as the 2019-nCoV coronavirus.

The season for influenza and other viral illnesses is fully upon us. There is a high level of flu activity and it is widespread throughout the State of Maryland. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (“2019-nCoV”) first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The CDC is closely monitoring the situation and is working with the World Health Organization (WHO).

We are working alongside other University System of Maryland institutions to stay up-to-date on this important issue; you can read a letter from the Chancellor here.

Influenza Prevention and Treatment

Flu activity is high in the U.S. and expected to continue for weeks. University Health Services (UHS) is performing confirmatory tests for influenza. Anyone who has not received a flu vaccine this season should consider getting the vaccine.

The treatment for influenza for healthy people is mostly “supportive,” meaning rest, plenty of fluids, and fever-reducing medication as needed. Antiviral medications may be helpful, especially for students, faculty, and staff who have chronic medical problems (e.g., asthma or diabetes) and can be discussed with your primary care provider. Antiviral medications are most effective if started within 48 hours of developing flu symptoms.

If you are sick, stay home and in bed and rest. Avoid crowded places like dining halls, classrooms, restaurants, and the RAC or other fitness centers to prevent spreading illness to others

Take fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve) if you do have a fever (temperature over 100°F). Please check your temperature using a working thermometer. If your fever persists for more than 48 hours in spite of taking these medications, please seek medical care (UHS hours Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., (410) 455-2542).

Drink lots of fluids.

If you have been diagnosed with the flu and develop shortness of breath or severe fatigue, call your healthcare provider or go to an emergency room.

For additional information about the flu, visit the Maryland Department of Health website or the CDC flu website.

Information for People with Underlying Health Conditions or Who Take Medicines that Suppress Their Immune System

If you are experiencing a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, visit your healthcare provider immediately.

Get your yearly flu shot to prevent complications.

2019-nCoV Coronavirus

The CDC considers the 2019-nCoV coronavirus a serious but not immediate health risk to the general American public. This coronavirus is a new virus for humans and was first identified in China. As of January 27, 2020, there are five confirmed cases in the United States in Washington state, Illinois, Arizona, and California.

There are no confirmed cases in Maryland or within the UMBC community reported by the State of Maryland or the Baltimore County Health Department. If this situation changes, we are committed to keeping the UMBC community informed. For the latest updates on campus efforts and information, please visit uhs.umbc.edu/resources/coronavirus.

Individuals visiting UHS are being screened during their appointment for recent international travel. Those who have traveled from China to the U.S. will be asked questions about their health and travel history. We advise you to seek medical care and alert a healthcare provider if you have traveled to Wuhan City within the past 14 days and are experiencing a fever with or without respiratory symptoms.

For more information about the 2019-nCoV coronavirus, click here.

As we all come together to begin the semester, please remember to take the following steps to prevent the spread of cold and flu as well as to reduce the risk of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus:

Wash your hands frequently and/or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizing stations are located around campus.

Avoid contact with those who are ill, if possible.

Clean high-touch surfaces in your room and/or office with antibacterial cleaner (bleach wipes are very good).

Cough into your sleeve or a tissue, not directly into your hands, and wash your hands immediately.

Avoid touching your face both when you are ill and when healthy. This spreads germs!

Avoid sharing food, utensils, cups, and water bottles.

It may still be helpful to get a flu shot. UHS provided more than 700 flu shots this season and while we do not have any more shots, vaccines may be available at local pharmacies or from your primary care doctor.

UHS is here to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us at (410) 455-2542 for more information.

Be well!

Bruce Herman, Ph.D.
Director, University Health Services and Counseling Center