Prevent Respiratory Viruses
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has released updated information that describes what to do if you are sick with COVID-19 or another respiratory virus, as well as what to do if you were exposed to a respiratory virus.
If you are experiencing respiratory virus symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, headache, sore throat, runny stuffy nose or sneezing, it is important to stay home and away from others, and follow the guidance from the CDC to determine when you can return to normal activities.
You may go back to your normal activities when both of the following have been true for at least 24 hours:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
You may still be contagious with a respiratory virus even if you are feeling better, so it is important to take additional precautions for five days after returning to your normal activities. Additional precautions include wearing a mask, improving airflow and filtration, practicing good hand hygiene, cleaning regularly and physically distancing yourself from others. Remember that:
- People with COVID-19 are often contagious for 5-10 days after their illness begins.
- People with flu may be contagious for up to 5-7 days after their illness begins.
- People with RSV are usually contagious for 3-8 days after their illness begins.
If you can, you should get tested to determine what respiratory virus is causing your symptoms so you can get effective treatment, if eligible. Please visit the DOH’s What To Do When You Are Sick With COVID-19 or Another Respiratory Virus page to learn more about what to do if you are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19.
Employees can contact Human Resources at hr@everettcc.edu if there are questions regarding leave.
Students should contact their instructors if they have questions about coursework.