DU Your Part to Stop the Spread

Dear DU Community,

Welcome back! We hope you enjoyed your break. During this time, many of you traveled, visited with friends and family, and participated in various celebrations, which may have led to exposure to a variety of viruses. As we begin the quarter and come together in enclosed spaces, it is easy for germs to spread. This time of year, we typically see an increase in cases of flu, COVID, common colds, and norovirus. 

While medicines may mitigate symptoms for some of these illnesses, viruses like norovirus do not respond to medications and analgesics. Norovirus is a common illness that spreads easily through direct contact with infected individuals as well as through contaminated food, water, and surfaces. Symptoms of norovirus, sometimes referred to as the “stomach flu” or a “stomach bug,” include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea so staying hydrated is very important. 

Here are some prevention methods to help stop the spread of viruses and reduce the chances of becoming ill. 

• Stay up to date on your COVID and flu vaccinations.
• Wash your hands carefully with soap and water especially after using the bathroom, and always before eating, preparing, or handling food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer alone is not sufficient to kill all viruses, including norovirus.
• Stay hydrated. If you experience symptoms of norovirus, take small frequent sips of water or other electrolyte-based fluids like Pedialyte or Gatorade. 
• Avoid contact with others when you are sick. Continue these precautions for 2-3 days after you are feeling better as the virus is still around.
• Wash contaminated laundry thoroughly on the longest wash cycle and then machine dry them.
• Wash fruits and vegetables and cook food thoroughly.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces. Noroviruses are resistant to many commonly used disinfectants. If Norovirus is suspected, the CDC recommends using a bleach solution (1/3 cup – 1.5 cups of household bleach per gallon of water).

These simple steps can help you avoid getting sick and help prevent the spread of these viruses.

For students with special circumstances that might require medical attention (dehydration, fever, severe abdominal pain, ongoing symptoms) please contact the Health and Counseling Center with any questions. You can leave a secure message via www.du.edu/health-and-counseling-center/myhealth or call 303.871.2205. Please contact the Health and Counseling Center by phone rather than coming in person if you are experiencing symptoms. 

Employees requiring medical attention, please contact your healthcare provider.

Remember, the best way to help prevent norovirus and other communicable illnesses is to practice proper hand washing and general cleanliness. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/norovirus.

Sincerely,

Michael LaFarr
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Health & Wellness
DU Health & Counseling Center

Therese Mashak
Public Health Project Manager
Enterprise Risk Management