Respiratory Virus Guidance

The NYSDOH has recently revised its guidance for when to stay home and when individuals can return to normal activities after respiratory infections including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. This is in accordance with the updated CDC recommendations. You can find a helpful infographic that simply illustrates the respiratory guidance.

If You Get Sick

Step 1: Stay at home. As much as possible, you should stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both:

  • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
  • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).

Step 2: Resume normal activities and use added prevention strategies over the next five days, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing your hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. People can choose to use these prevention strategies at any time. Since some people remain contagious beyond the “stay-at-home” period, taking added precautions can lower the chance of spreading respiratory viruses to others.

When to Seek Medical Care

Most respiratory symptoms can be self-managed using non-prescription cough, cold and fever medications. If your symptoms are severe please contact your medical provider. Depending on your diagnosis there may be prescription medications that can help alleviate symptoms and shorten the length of your illness.

Severe symptoms include:

  • Fever over 102 F
  • Shortness of breath
  • Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea
  • Severe headache
  • Severe sore throat

For emergencies, please call 911. Some symptoms that may need emergency care include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent chest pain
  • Confusion or loss of consciousness
  • Rapid heart rate

How to Obtain a Covid-19 Test Kit

  • Health Services has at-home Covid-19 test kits available for students free of charge.
  • At-home test kits are also available at most pharmacies.

Vaccine & Booster Policy

Students enrolled in any program or course or who are participating in a clinical or internship held at a third-party location must continue to comply with all health and safety guidelines, including any vaccination or testing protocols that are in place at the third-party location. 

Masking

Masks are optional at Monroe Community College. Individuals may choose to wear masks for their own health and safety.