Preventing Viral Infections

This communication was sent campuswide on Jan. 31, 2020. 

Dear Weber State Faculty, Staff, and Students:

Given the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in China, we are in frequent contact with state and county health departments. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that the health risk for coronavirus is low for the general public in the United States.

Currently, state health officials say there is no need to worry that the virus is in Utah.

"NO CASES HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED IN UTAH. The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) has investigated, and ruled out, several potential cases. Utah's disease surveillance system is working as designed, as public health officials and health care providers are coordinating to identify and investigate potential cases. While this is a worrisome public health situation, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general public is believed to be low." — Utah Department of Health

For the latest coronavirus summary, see the CDC website.

We are vigilant about the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. We will continue to monitor the situation.

If you develop flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, headache, chills, etc.), we encourage you to contact your doctor. 

This is also a reminder that we are in the middle of cold and flu season. Health organizations are encouraging ways to prevent the spread of such illnesses. In an effort to reduce flu and other viral infection cases at Weber State University, we are reminding everyone of important steps that can help prevent the spread of disease and decrease the impact on day-to-day activities at WSU.

1. Get a Flu Shot

  • The number of flu-related deaths far outnumbers other viral infection deaths.
  • The Student Health Center currently has vaccinations available; however, doses are limited, so visit them soon. Most health-care providers also have vaccinations available.

Go to http://www.immunize-utah.org to find immunization locations.

2. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds several times a day;

3. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze;

4. Avoid touching your nose or eyes;

5. Seek medical care if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. (Fever, body aches, cough, or nausea/vomiting.) For posters, signs and other flu-prevention material, go to http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/posters.html

6. Stay home if you are ill.

If you are sick, symptoms may last for a week or more, AND YOU ARE CONTAGIOUS WHILE YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS, you should stay home and avoid contact with others except to seek medical care. Some viral infections are contagious only while symptomatic. Studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to seven days after symptoms begin. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.

The best way to battle the spread of the virus is to follow the guidelines listed above and stay home if you experience any symptoms. Don't return to work or school until your fever has been gone for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications).

These are precautions we can all take to reduce our chances of becoming ill and aid in keeping the university operating effectively. For more information on viral infections, including things you can do, visit http://www.cdc.gov

Dane LeBlanc
Director of Public Safety
Weber State University
dleblanc@weber.edu