Respiratory Illness

If you test positive for COVID-19, RSV or Flu

Based on updated CDC recommendations, the NYS Department of Health revised its guidance for when to stay home and when individuals can return to normal activities after testing positive for respiratory infections including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. 

Students

  • Plan to recover at home in your on-campus or off-campus residence for five days from the onset of symptoms.
  • Wear a mask when you are around others (ie: roommates or family members) for 10 days from symptom onset. 
  • Contact Academic Success & Accessibility at success@naz.edu to notify the University that you have tested positive for COVID-19, RSV or Flu and will be absent from the classroom for "x" number of days (depending on when your symptoms began and when you expect to be ready to return based on the severity of your illness). Note: you should be fever-free for 24 hours without OTC medications, and your symptoms should be generally improving before you return to class. The University will send a “notification of absence” alert through the Flyer Success System to notify instructors of students who will be absent from class for the number of days you place in your email to Student Success.
  • For those who work and/or have clinical internships, contact your supervisor to discuss your status and return to work/internship date. 
  • During your recovery, you may order and pick-up food from dining facilities, restaurants or grocery stores. Please ensure you wear a mask before entering. Do not dine-in at any food establishment while you are sick.
  • If you need medical care or health supplies during your recovery, you may visit a medical facility or pharmacy. Please ensure you wear a mask before entering. 
  • You may return to normal activity (classes, practices, rehearsals, work) when you have been fever-free for 24 hours (without medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen) and your symptoms are generally improving. Stay at home until you reach that fever-free, symptom improving status.
  • When returning to normal activities, you should take added precautions over the next 5 days, including taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, and masks when you will be around other people, especially older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. 
  • Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better, so it is important to take extra precautions after resuming normal activities.
  • If you develop a fever or start to feel worse, you should stay home and away from others again. You should use the same criteria for returning to normal activities as when you first had symptoms and take added precautions over the next 5 days. 
  • You no longer need to retest to determine your readiness to return. 
  • Please read Health Instructions: Caring for a Respiratory Illness for more information about self-care at home while you recover.
  • Note: These changes DO NOT pertain to people working in healthcare settings. This includes students who learn or work in clinical settings: Healthcare facilities should continue to follow the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Managing  Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 

Faculty/staff

  • Recovery protocols are the same as for students (above) in terms of time at home and return protocols. 
  • If you must stay home, notify your manager or department chair that you are unable to come to campus.

IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS:

Students

  • If you have mild symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, or mild cough without the more concerning symptoms listed below):
    • Students who have mild respiratory symptoms are advised to self-treat with OTC supportive measures at home, including taking a COVID-19 self-test at home.
    • Students may also schedule a tele-health visit with a nurse in Health & Counseling by visiting the Naz Student Health Portal and selecting Cold or Flu-like Symptoms (mild). A nurse will contact you to discuss your symptoms and recommendations for next steps. .

    • Get a test: COVID-19 tests are available for purchase at most local pharmacies and health centers, and online through retail pharmacies.

    • PCR testing for COVID-19, RSV and Flu is offered at Health and Counseling, by appointment, for students with more significant/ worrisome symptoms, especially those with underlying medical conditions who warrant a medical visit. Exposure testing for asymptomatic students (students without symptoms) is no longer available. Students should purchase their own tests if they wish to test following exposure and no symptoms.

    • Contact your professors to keep them in the loop. 
  • If you have more concerning symptoms (ie: headache, fever, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and/or persistent diarrhea), contact Health and Counseling at 585-389-2500 for an appointment for a medical evaluation, which may include COVID-19, RSV or Flu testing as part of a diagnostic strategy.
  • After-hours: if after-hours, visit a local Urgent Care. Please visit Health & Counseling's after hours webpage for more information.
  • Academics: 
    • Stay in contact with your instructors to discuss strategies to support you in achieving course learning goals. If your ability to maintain progress changes at any point, it is important that you reach out to your instructors right away to explore options.
    • If you are not well enough to participate in classes remotely during this period, regardless of the course delivery format, or if you have any concerns regarding accommodation plans, contact The Student Accessiblity Services at SASOffice@naz.edu . This office will work with you and your instructors to determine appropriate accommodations that ensure there will be no academic penalty during this time.

Faculty/staff

Do not come to campus. Contact your supervisor to discuss or situation, or contact Human Resources, humanresources@naz.edu, if needed to review your situation and discuss the next steps.