Prevent respiratory illness

Follow these guidelines to avoid respiratory illness including COVID, flu, and more this year.

Enhance your immune system

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is an important step to staying healthy though check with your primary healthcare professional to learn what’s right for you. Make an appointment at Boynton Health or find a vaccine near you to receive any of the vaccinations below.

  • COVID and flu: The CDC recommends getting updated 2024-2025 COVID and flu vaccines this fall and winter. Vaccines are available for ages six months and up. 
  • Measles: Measles is a highly contagious disease, but full vaccination is 97% effective at prevention. 
  • Pertussis: Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a very contagious disease that can start mild and progress to a severe cough and complications for people with certain medical conditions. Pertussis cases are much higher than usual in Minnesota this year.  
  • Other important vaccines: Depending on your age and health, you may be a candidate to receive the RSV and the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines.

In addition, follow these six healthy habits from the CDC to help improve your immunity.

Wash your hands

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for 20 seconds or more with soap and warm water. If you don’t have access to those, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Stay informed

Track the frequency of COVID-19 in the state. If the incidence is high, consider additional indoor precautions, like masking, maintaining six feet of social distance, and avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.

What to do if you’re sick

Get tested  

  • Boynton Health offers testing for COVID, flu, strep throat, and other diseases for University students, staff, and faculty in the Boynton Health Gopher Quick Clinic or Boynton Health Urgent Care. Find a location and more information or call the Nurse Line at 612-625-7900. 
  • At-home COVID tests are available for purchase at most retail pharmacies, including Boynton Health’s pharmacy, and may be covered by your insurance. 

Prevent the spread 

  • For COVID, inform your close contacts that they may have been exposed and should seek testing. View Boynton’s COVID-19 page for more FAQs. 
  • Stay home if you can, get plenty of rest, and see the excused absence policy for students or employees.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid drinks with sugar, caffeine, or alcohol.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. Wearing a well-fitting, multi-layered mask is effective.
  • Follow the CDC’s guidance for more information on preventing the spread of all respiratory illnesses. 

Wearing a face mask

University of Minnesota faculty, staff, students, and visitors (including contractors, service providers, vendors, and suppliers) are required to wear a mask only in the following locations:

  • In posted healthcare settings
  • In settings where Personal Protective Equipment is required due to environmental or hazardous material conditions

Everyone may wear a mask in settings that do not require them if they choose. The University expects all community members to respect those who choose to wear a mask, as well as those who choose not to wear one.

If you have specific masking concerns, please contact [email protected].

High-quality masks are available free of charge for students to pick up at all University residence halls/apartments.

Faculty and staff may order masks from U Market Services through their departments. We are continuing the Mask Support Program for anyone with special healthcare concerns who may benefit from specialized consultation.

You may find information on mask fit and material from Health and Safety and Risk Management (HSRM).

Questions?

Email the University of Minnesota at [email protected].