Spread the Word: Not the Germs!
Do Your Part in Helping to Fight the Cold, Flu, and COVID-19
Even though the cold, flu, and COVID-19 are different illnesses, there are some common actions we all can take to protect ourselves and our fellow Panthers to reduce our risk from contracting and spreading them!
Stay home, rest and stay hydrated if you are sick.
Avoid going to class, work, student organization meetings, or other in-person meetings and keep your distance from others. It's recommended by the CDC that you stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of medicine) except to obtain medical care or other necessities.
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or elbow.
Serious respiratory illnesses like influenza can be easily spread by coughing or sneezing. It is important to cover your coughs and sneezes to stop germs from spreading!
Keep your environment clean!
Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in household common areas, especially when someone is sick, such as: doorknobs, light switches, phones, desks, sinks, toilets, remotes, laptops.
Seek medical care if symptoms become worse than expected.
If you have symptoms of the flu and are very sick or worried about your illness, contact a healthcare provider. Call 319-273-2009 to set-up an appointment with the UNI Student Health Clinic. Visit health.uni.edu for a list of off-campus providers.
Avoid touching your face.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid contact with those who are sick as much as possible.
Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water OR use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds. Make sure your hand sanitizer is at least 60% alcohol content. When using soap/water or hand sanitizer, it is important to rub all the surfaces of your hands (palms, backs, fingers, between your fingers, under your nails).
Build a resilient immune system by proactively taking care of yourself.
- Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help fight off infections
- Eat a variety of fruits & vegetables
- Pursue regular joyful movement throughout the day
- Effectively manage your stress (ex: meeting with a Wellness Coach!)
- Decrease intake of toxins such as alcohol
- Drink plenty of fluids
Prepare a "sick kit".
Prepare a “sick kit” to have on hand if and when illness strikes; you'll thank yourself later! Useful items to include in your kit: soup, crackers, over the counter medicine, tea, thermometer, hand sanitizer, tissues, cough drops, insurance card, and number of UNI Student Health Clinic or family doctor.
Understand the different symptoms of the cold, flu and COVID-19.
Is it the cold, flu, or COVID-19? Check out this chart to understand the similarities and differences. Remember, getting tested for COVID-19 when experiencing symptoms or after being exposed will help keep Panthers healthy! Call the UNI Student Health Clinic (319-273-2100) to be assessed for testing.