Staying Safe This Respiratory Season

In the last few weeks, the CDC has been reporting gradual rises in COVID-19 test positivity, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths across the country. On January 3rd, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) raised Chicago’s COVID-19 risk level to rise to “medium”. Influenza levels across the country are elevated and levels in Illinois remain HIGH.

With gatherings over the winter break and holiday travel, we anticipate, as has been seen in past years, increases in respiratory illness throughout the month of January.

As we prepare to return to campus for the spring semester amidst increased respiratory virus circulation, we’d like to take a moment to remind you of the following to best protect yourself, your loved ones, and the UIC community.

Get vaccinated for COVID-19 and influenza.
– Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself against influenza infection and severe COVID-19 disease.
– You should discuss vaccination guidance and availability with your healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider or your healthcare provider does not have the influenza vaccine, you can schedule an appointment at the City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinic by using their website or by calling 311.
– Vaccination locations in the Chicagoland area and vaccine locator resources can be found here.

Do not come to campus if you are sick, no matter how mild your symptoms may be!
– No matter the illness, if you are sick, you should stay home, even if you test negative for COVID-19. Campus COVID-19 guidelines can be found here.
– Campus employees that become sick at work should notify their supervisor, go home, and contact their primary care provider for treatment.

Get tested!
– Testing is especially important if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza. Remember, there are effective treatments for both viruses, but it’s important to start them as close to when your symptoms began as possible.

Consider wearing a mask when in indoor public spaces or crowded venues.
– If you are at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness, the CDC recommends wearing a high-quality mask or respirator (e.g., N95) when indoors in public.
– Everyone is encouraged to utilize masks as an additional method of protection against respiratory illnesses.

Practice good respiratory and hand hygiene.
– Make sure you cover any cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, making sure to
wash your hands after.
– You should also wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or
mouth.

As a reminder, students requiring assistance or support with COVID-19 related needs or questions can reach out to the UIC COVID-19 Contact Tracing and Epidemiology program by calling 312-355-2555 or emailing us at uic_contact_tracing@uic.edu.

We look forward to having you all back on campus soon and wish you a great start to the spring
semester.

Stay well,
UIC Health and Well-being Team