Respiratory Virus Update

There is a lot of COVID on campus right now, with students and staff returning after winter break and resuming gatherings and activities. Fortunately, indicators on a local and state level are showing that we have passed the peak of respiratory virus season, so we expect cases to decrease over the next 2-3 weeks.

Emergency department visits for viral respiratory illness in Connecticut

There has been much in the news about the new JN-1 variant, which now accounts for over 80% of tested samples nationally. While this is a highly transmissible virus, infections are not causing the level of disease severity seen earlier in the pandemic, likely due to high levels of immunity from disease and vaccination. The current COVID vaccine is expected to provide increased protection against JN-1.

While there are COVID cases on campus, we know how to handle this! Below are some key prevention reminders.

• Get vaccinated—it is not too late! You can still schedule a vaccine at Yale Health or through a pharmacy in accordance with your insurance coverage.
  
  • For those with moderate to severe immune compromise, the CDC recently approved a second dose of the 2023-2024 vaccine at least 8 weeks (about 2 months) after the first dose.
• Mask at the earliest sign of symptoms (even just a stuffy nose or scratchy throat) and test. Repeat the test in 48 hours. Don’t go to work or school.
• If you have been told that you’re a close contact, mask and test. The critical test is 5 days after your last exposure to the positive case, by which time most who have been exposed will test positive. But keep masking for 10 days, as late conversions do happen.
• If you test positive, stay home and follow isolation guidance. Mask for a full 10 days, even after ending isolation. Make sure to notify your close contacts—it’s your responsibility.
• Seek early treatment from your healthcare provider if you are 50 or over or have a weakened immune system.

I expect we’ll see significant declines in disease activity in the next several weeks. I’ll continue to keep you informed as needed, both regarding conditions on campus and updates on our COVID-related resources.

Be well,

Madeline S. Wilson, MD, FACP
Chief Campus Health Officer