This message to all students, faculty and staff has been approved by Kyle Clark, Vice President for Finance & Administration.

University monitoring coronavirus (2019-nCoV); no reported cases at FSU

Florida State University officials are closely monitoring advisories and updates concerning the novel coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China.

No cases have been reported at FSU, in Leon County or in the state of Florida. FSU’s University Health Services is coordinating with the Leon County Health Department and the Florida Department of Health for local planning regarding the novel coronavirus using real time guidance from state and federal health officials.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers this new virus a public health concern based on current information. However, the immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered low at this time. The CDC and the World Health Organization are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance. The CDC escalated its health warning to a level 3 as the coronavirus continues to spread, recommending that people avoid all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china.

In an abundance of caution, Florida State University is postponing all university travel to affected areas at this time. Contact university administrators with questions.

For faculty or staff matters related to this issue, please contact Tracey Pearson (staff) at 850-644-3694 or Rebecca Peterson (faculty) at 850-645-2202, both in the Office of Human Resources.

What you can do

If you have recently traveled to affected areas in China, and are experiencing symptoms, visit a health care provider immediately. Avoid using public transportation if possible. UHS offers courtesy transportation to and from the University Health Center to students on campus only (call the Medical Response Unit at 850-644-3349 to request transportation).

Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The CDC has confirmed that person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for the coronavirus.

There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Travel Information

Travelers should stay informed on CDC updates and travel notifications at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-wuhan-china.

The U.S. State Department has issued an alert for travel to China following an ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus. As the virus continues to spread, officials recommend that people avoid all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html.

Helpful Resources

For more information about the coronavirus, prevention, symptoms, etc., please visit www.cdc.gov as a helpful resource.

Prevention Tips

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/prevention.html

Coronavirus - Travelers Health Information

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china

Flu (Influenza)

Yearly flu shots (early October to mid December) are recommended for everyone, but are especially indicated for anyone with asthma, chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, or other health problems that compromise the ability to fight infections. University Health Services provides influenza vaccines, often free to students as budget permits, but supplies are limited.

Flu Vaccines – Each fall we offer a free flu vaccine to students in order to protect them against influenza.

Why get vaccinated? – Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious disease that spreads every winter, usually between October and May. It is caused by influenza viruses, and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. The flu vaccine is the best protection against flu and its complications. The vaccine also helps prevent spreading flu from person to person. UHS gives an injectable flu vaccine, which is either a “inactivated” or recombinant” vaccine. These vaccines do not contain any live influenza virus. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after the vaccination, and protection last several months to a year.

How do I get the Flu Vaccine?

For an appointment, please call 850-644-4567.

HealthMap Vaccine Finder