COVID-19 Information

Respiratory Viruses

Respiratory illnesses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cause various symptoms including fever, cough, chills, sore throat, headache, and fatigue. To avoid spreading these viruses to the community and especially to protect those that could become very ill, it is important to follow guidelines laid out by the Washington State Department of Health.

What To Do When You Are Sick With COVID-19 or Another Respiratory Virus (WA DoH)

What if I Develop Symptoms of a Respiratory Virus?
Such as COVID-19, Influenza, or RSV

If you develop symptoms of a respiratory virus, stay home and away from others. Get tested if possible. You can return to normal activities, if for at least 24 hours: 

• Your symptoms are getting better AND
• You have not had a fever (and are not using fever reducing medication)

When you return to your normal activities, wear mask for the next 5 days and take additional precautions to limit the spread of respiratory viruses, by:

• Improving air flow and filtration
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Physical distancing
• Testing

Keep in mind that:

• People with COVID-19 are often contagious for 5-10 days after their illness begins
• People with flu may be contagious for up to 5-7 days after their illness begins
• People with RSV are usually contagious for 3-8 days after their illness begins

What if I am Exposed to a Respiratory Virus?
Such as COVID-19, Influenza, or RSV

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or another respiratory virus, it will be helpful to use respiratory virus prevention strategies, such as wearing masks, practicing good hygiene, cleaning regularly, physical distancing, and testing.

If you develop symptoms, take the steps described above to prevent spreading respiratory virus illness to others, get tested, and get treatment if eligible.

Testing

If you need a test, over-the-counter tests are available for a cost at local drug stores and pharmacies. Additionally, if you have older tests at home, visit the FDA’s website to see if your COVID-19 tests’ expiration date has been extended.

At-Home Over-The-Counter COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests (FDA)

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Prevention

• Stay up to date with Vaccinations (DoH)
• Practice good hygiene (hand washing and sneezing etiquette)
• Take steps for cleaner air (improved filtration)
• If you develop symptoms of a respiratory virus, follow the guidelines above

Case or Exposure Reporting

Although reporting respiratory virus information is not required, the college will continue to monitor the online COVID-19 Health Verification Form for signs of increasing cases on campus.

COVID-19 Health Verification Form (MS Forms)