Upper Respiratory Viruses Guidance

Guidance & home care

Health Services at Jamestown Community College monitors COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases following CDC, NYS DOH, and county health department guidelines.

If you have symptoms

  • Stay home, rest, and hydrate. Contact Health Services, and for severe symptoms, contact your medical provider.
  • Isolate until symptoms improve and you are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
  • Wear a mask for five days after returning to campus.

Health Services cannot provide students with a medical excuse for missed class, regardless of the cause of the respiratory virus.

About the Guidance

In March 2024, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance for managing respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. This update brings a unified, practical approach to protecting individuals against common respiratory viral illnesses with similar transmission routes, symptoms, and prevention strategies. While COVID-19 still poses a significant health threat to people at higher risk, its health impacts are now comparable to other respiratory viruses (i.e., flu, RSV), which are also causes of severe illness and death.

CDC Respiratory Guidance Snapshot

Care & resources

Common Cold
  • No cure; treat symptoms with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
  • Stay hydrated, eat healthy, and get ample sleep.
  • Use decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers as needed.
  • Gargle warm salt water and use a humidifier for throat and sinus relief.
  • CDC - Manage Common Cold
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

SUNY does not require a COVID-19 vaccine for students attending JCC. Per the CDC, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended. If you have received the COVID-19 vaccination, turn your records in to the JCC Health Center.

Students enrolled in any program or course or who are participating in a clinical or internship held at a third-party location must continue to comply with all health and safety guidelines, including any vaccination or testing protocols that are in place at the third-party location.

  • Isolate until symptoms improve and fever subsides for 24 hours without medication.
  • Consult your doctor about antiviral treatments like Paxlovid.
  • Rest, hydrate, and use OTC medications for symptom relief.
  • Follow Health Services and CDC guidance: mask for five days after isolation, practice hand hygiene, and social distancing.
  • Seek emergency care for severe symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing.
  • CDC - Types of COVID-19 Treatment
Flu (Influenza)
  • Rest, hydrate, and take OTC medication for symptom relief.
  • Call your doctor within 48 hours for treatment guidance; antiviral medications may be prescribed.
  • Cover coughs, wash hands, and mask when around others.
  • Get a flu shot annually.
  • Seek medical care for worsening symptoms, chest pain, or breathing difficulties.
  • CDC - Treatment of Flu
Norovirus
  • Symptoms usually resolve in a few days; stay hydrated with water and electrolyte fluids.
  • Rest and monitor for signs of dehydration (decreased urination, dry mouth, lethargy).
  • Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medication.
  • Use caution with antidiarrheal medication to avoid prolonging infection.
  • CDC - About Norovirus
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
  • Supportive care includes rest, hydration, and fever reducers.
  • Cough suppressants, nasal saline, and oxygen therapy may help severe cases.
  • Infants and older adults are at higher risk for complications.
  • Seek emergency care if breathing difficulties arise.
  • Symptoms and Care of RSV