In March 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated recommendations on how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.

The new simplified recommendations follow similar guidelines for other respiratory infections.

For any respiratory illness, COVID-19 and influenza in particular, the new recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when: 

• Symptoms have been improving overall for at least 24 hour, and
• No fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. 

Students who are ill are advised to be seen at Student Health Services. You can call (573) 341-4284 to schedule an appointment or you can schedule through your patient portal. 

If you are ill, protect others around you by: 

• Practicing good hygiene: cover your coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces. 
• Stay away from others until you are feeling better, particularly if they are immunocompromised.