COVID-19 AND INFLUENZA HEALTH GUIDELINES
The parameters and guidance below are based on the updated CDC recommendations and reflect the high levels of vaccine- and infection-induced immunity, along with effective treatment and preventions tools.
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 ARE VERY SIMILAR TO INFLUENZA AND OTHER ILLNESSES
Influenza and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses and the symptoms alone cannot be differentiated without testing. Both illnesses may include fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, diarrhea, body aches, headache, or shortness of breath. Talk to your provider about getting tested for both influenza and COVID-19 if you are having symptoms that warrant treatment. If the symptoms are mild, testing may not be necessary.
COVID-19 TESTING
On days when classes are held, any student or employee who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can call Health Services (616-526-6187) to schedule an appointment. COVID-19 home tests can be used for rapid diagnosis of symptoms or for asymptomatic (“peace of mind”) testing. Influenza testing is offered during an appointment at Health Services.
ISOLATION (POSITIVE TEST)
Formal isolation precautions have been lifted. However, if you are not well enough to go to work or class, then remain home. If you need medical support beyond rest and rehydration at home, or if your symptoms are worsening as the illness progresses, seek medical care. Medication treatment is available for both Influenza and COVID-19 infections but should be started within the first 72 hours of symptoms to be beneficial. Early intervention is important for moderate or severe illnesses.
If the symptoms are mild and there has been no fever for the past 24 hours, you can go back to your normal activities when you feel well enough. There are no formal isolation restrictions regarding work or attending class. To prevent the spread of any respiratory illness, consider taking steps to lower the risk of spread while you are recovering from illness: wash your hands frequently, consider some measure of physical distancing while most contagious, wear a mask if you are concerned about spreading your infection to others.
COVID BIVALENT VACCINE / BOOSTER
Health Services offers COVID-19 testing and offers the most current COVID-19 vaccine. Schedule an appointment (616-526-6187).
MISSING CLASS FOR AN ILLNESS
Students and employees who feel well enough may attend work/class. If a student or employee is not well enough to be on campus, they are responsible for notifying their professors or their supervisor. Additional notification to the university is not required, and professors will not be notified by university personnel of student absences unless requested through the Office of Student Success. Students who visit Health Services may be provided with proof of their appointment. However, Health Services does not provide “doctor’s notes” for students who did not need an appointment for medical care.
Just as prior to the pandemic, students who are not well enough to attend class are responsible for coordinating with their professors about materials and assignments that will be missed. Professors will continue to work with students to ensure that any materials or assignments missed during an illness will be provided in a timely and effective manner. When a student is missing several days of class, it is advisable to seek medical assistance for care and consider seeking academic support at the Center for Student Success.