Protect yourself against
winter viruses
- Get your flu shot each year, and stay up to date on your COVID boosters.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, and if soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as germs can spread from your hands this way.
It's flu & cold season!
It's the season for influenza (flu) and other upper respiratory illnesses like colds, RSV, and COVID to be in higher circulation on campus. Here are symptoms to be aware of, and guidance for what to do if you get sick.
Flu cases rising on campus
Flu symptoms: The flu comes on harder and faster than a cold, with more severe and long-lasting symptoms that can make functioning difficult. Common symptoms include:
- High fever, usually between 100° and 104° F (often begins to subside on the second or third day)
- Dry cough (which can be severe) and chest pain
- Runny nose, sore throat, and/or headache
- Severe fatigue or weakness, often continuing for days or even weeks
- Body aches/chills
Other winter viruses in circulation
COVID-19: Flu symptoms can be very similar to COVID symptoms, but people with COVID may also experience loss of taste or smell, and/or diarrhea.
RSV: RSV is a highly contagious, common respiratory virus. RSV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms in older children and adults, but RSV can become severe, especially for infants and older adults.
Common cold: Cough, sore throught, and nasal congestion are common cold symptoms. People with a cold typically don't experience a fever over 100° or body aches, which are common flu and COVID symptoms.
If you're sick ...
(1) Test for COVID & flu
Free COVID antigen tests are available in our 24/7 self-care vending machine, located just inside our Ho Plaza entrance.
If you think you might have the flu, you can schedule an appointment to get a flu test (appointments have a $10 charge). You can also purchase a combination flu/COVID self-test in our pharmacy and self-care vending machine for $10.
(2) Manage your symptoms
Most symptoms of flu, COVID, other upper respiratory illnesses can be self-managed using non-prescription medication. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not aspirin) and decongestants may keep you more comfortable as you recover. Ask our pharmacy staff if you need recommendations.
Be sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to assist in your recovery.
(3) Know when to seek medical care
If your symptoms are not improving, are worsening, or are concerning to you, please call us 24/7 at 607-255-5155 to consult with a medical provider. Viruses can sometimes lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection, a sinus infection, bronchitis, or (less frequently) pneumonia.
People who are at higher risk of these flu- and COVID-related complications may benefit from a prescription antiviral medication. (Antibiotics are only prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection develops.)
If you have tested positive for influenza or COVID, antiviral medication may be appropriate for you if:
- you are at high risk of developing complications from the flu or at high risk of developing complications from COVID, and
- you are within 2 days of the onselt of your flu symptoms, or 5 days of the onset of your COVID symptoms
To discuss whether antiviral treatment is right for you, call us during business hours to speak with a nurse (607-255-5155). Medication may be prescribed for you by phone, if clinically indicated.
(4) Protect others
Help prevent the spread of infection by staying away from others until both of the following are true:
- you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours, and
- your symptoms are getting better overall
If you must be around others while you still have symptoms, wear a mask.
Medical excuses for missing class
Cornell Health is not able to provide excuses for routine illnesses, injuries, and mental health problems that may lead to missed classes, labs, studios, exams, or deadlines.
Cornell University expects that students are honest with their professors regarding their ability to complete work, and professors are expected to work with students on these issues. Academic advising staff and associate deans are available to provide assistance to students or faculty members who have concerns about attendance issues.
Please refer to our Health Excuse Policy for more detail.