Campus Health Pre-holiday Update

Key takeaways:

• Norovirus, a notorious “stomach bug,” is on campus.
• Respiratory virus roundup: the latest on RSV, COVID, and flu.

As the semester draws to a close, we hope to help everyone get home to family and friends without bringing unwanted viral guests along.

Here is the latest.

Norovirus

Norovirus, the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis or “stomach bug,” has recently appeared on campus. It is infamous for causing outbreaks in crowded places like cruise ships or schools. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes fever. Antibiotics are ineffective, but the disease typically resolves in 1-3 days on its own. Norovirus is very active in Connecticut right now, with the blue line representing the % of positive tests.

Norovirus spreads efficiently from person to person, mainly due to contact with surfaces and other items that may be contaminated with the virus. General preventive measures include:

• Frequent and thorough hand washing (alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill the virus).
• Enhanced cleaning protocols, especially for bathrooms and touchpoints (door handles, surfaces, etc.). Custodial staff have started implementing these around campus.

If you are ill or have had contact with someone who is, you should:

• STAY HOME from work or class, ideally for 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or handling soiled clothes or linens. Again, alcohol hand sanitizers don’t kill this virus.
• Wash clothes in hot water.
• Hydrate. Start with small sips of clear liquid, popsicles, or ice chips, then work up to larger volumes. When you can eat, start with bland foods.
• Seek medical advice. If you are unable to keep down fluids or symptoms are severe or persistent, or if you need advice, call Student Health at 203-432-0312 (if you are a student) or contact your healthcare provider.

Respiratory virus roundup

We have not yet seen the expected winter surge of the heavy hitters in Connecticut, but we expect that flu and COVID numbers will bump up over the holidays or soon after. This is the current situation:

• RSV is the most active virus at present, affecting small children predominantly but also adults, especially those over age 65. 
  • Vaccines are recommended for pregnant women, infants, and adults over 75 or over 65 with chronic illness. Talk with your healthcare provider.
• COVID trends have been flat for several months, though we are still seeing a steady number of cases.

Influenza infections are low but rising in Connecticut. If you’re travelling, be aware that flu activity is higher in the southern and western United States.

What steps should you take now?

Most of this guidance is familiar — but worth repeating.

• Get VACCINATED. Yale Health is still offering walk-in flu and COVID vaccines for Yale students, faculty, staff, and Yale Health members. 
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through December 22, resuming January 2.
  • Both vaccines begin to boost your immunity within two weeks. Act now before the winter surge begins.
• Travel with care. Airports, airplanes, buses, trains, carpools — all are places where people and viruses alike congregate. Wear a good mask during travel to reduce your risks.
• Stock up on masks for your household.
• STAY HOME from gatherings if you are sick.
• Protect the vulnerable. Take extra precautions when around infants, elderly individuals, or those with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems. Consider testing prior to gatherings. Seek treatment if you test positive.

Treatment considerations: 

Treatment recommendations depend on your own situation and those who may be at risk around you. For both COVID and flu, antiviral treatment is recommended as soon as possible after symptom onset.

• Influenza: Treatment is recommended within 48 hours of symptom onset for those over 65, under 2, and others at increased risk. For high-risk individuals, taking medication as a preventative measure if exposed (antiviral prophylaxis) is advised.
• COVID: Treatment recommended within 5-7 days of symptoms onset for those age over 50 and others at increased risk.

A note about viral testing

Home testing options now include combined flu A&B and COVID test kits. When flu is around, this combination makes more sense than testing for COVID alone. Both are most useful when symptoms are present. Read directions carefully, as there are two versions. Both are available online and in pharmacies:

• Rapid antigen test: (e.g., iHealth and others, similar to the COVID-only test): must be repeated in 48 hours if negative initially to avoid an early false negative.
• Molecular test (e.g., Lucira): more like a PCR test, making it more sensitive (and more expensive). False negatives are still possible; re-test if symptoms continue.

In closing…

It has been a tumultuous fall out there in the world. Rest assured that we will continue to keep you informed and look out for the well-being of the Yale community.

I welcome your feedback on how we can make these updates most useful to you!

All the best for safe and restful holidays,

Madeline Wilson, MD
Chief Campus Health Officer