{"id":91307,"date":"2023-01-12T16:00:26","date_gmt":"2023-01-12T21:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/?p=91307"},"modified":"2023-01-12T16:00:26","modified_gmt":"2023-01-12T21:00:26","slug":"january-public-health-reminders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/2023\/01\/12\/january-public-health-reminders\/","title":{"rendered":"January Public Health Reminders"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Please find a message regarding Spring 2023 public health reminders from Chief Health Officer Judy Platt, MD, below. <\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span>Dear Members of our Boston University Community,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Welcome back to campus as we head into the spring semester!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Please read below for important public health reminders about:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span>\u00a0<\/span><span>Masking requirements and recommendations<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>COVID-19, including US travel requirements and updated recommendations for rapid\u00a0<\/span><span>antigen\u00a0<\/span><span>test use<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Influenza (flu) and flu vaccinations<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>We continue to see high levels of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV circulating in our communities. There are simple things you can do to protect yourself and others against all respiratory conditions this season including staying home when you are not feeling well, being up to date on your immunizations, avoiding contact with people who are ill, washing hands frequently, and masking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Masking<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>Masks are\u00a0<b>required<\/b>\u00a0in all healthcare spaces at Boston University until further notice.<b>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><b><span>For January, we\u00a0strongly recommend\u00a0that everyone in our community, regardless of symptoms, mask in crowded indoor areas including classrooms, shared common spaces, and the BU Shuttle.<\/span><\/b><span>\u00a0We also recommend masking inside your home if you or others in the home are not feeling well. We\u00a0encourage the use of high-quality masks (such as N95s, KN95s, KF94s, and FFP3\/2s) that\u00a0cover the nose, mouth, and chin and\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=S7md2Rhr6cI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"0\">fit securely<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0to reduce the risk of viral transmission.\u00a0<\/span><span>We will continue to evaluate masking recommendations for the upcoming spring months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>COVID-19<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>Effective treatments, mitigation strategies and public health interventions are continuing to help us in managing COVID-19; however, the winter months are a time of higher circulation. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health continues to\u00a0monitor\u00a0rates of COVID-19 through\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/covid-19-response-reporting#covid-19-interactive-data-dashboard-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"1\">testing positivity rates<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/covid-19-wastewater-report\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"2\">wastewater data.<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span>The best ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 and reduce transmission are to stay up to date with\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/covid-19-vaccine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"3\">COVID-19 vaccines<\/a><\/span><span>,\u00a0<\/span><span>wear a mask in crowded, indoor spaces, and test if you are not feeling well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>COVID-19 Testing<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>We encourage you to test upon returning to campus if you are experiencing\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/symptoms-testing\/symptoms.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"4\">any symptoms<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span>and\/or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Depending on your travel over intersession, you may be\u00a0<b>required<\/b>\u00a0to test prior to traveling\u00a0<i>to\u00a0<\/i>the United States. Please review the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements that went into effect on\u00a0<b>Jan. 5<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/media\/releases\/2022\/p1228-COVID-china.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"5\">here<\/a><\/span><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=332CadAl63A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"6\">Free PCR testing at BU<\/a><\/span><span>,\u00a0for those with symptoms or exposures, remains\u00a0available<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span>at the Health Services Annex in the rear of 925 Commonwealth Ave Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.\u00a0For more information about COVID-19, students can visit the\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/covid-19\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"7\">Student Health Services COVID-19 website<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span>and faculty\/staff can visit the\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/buohc\/covid-19\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"8\">Occupational Health Center COVID-19 website<\/a><\/span><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>While PCR testing remains the gold standard for COVID-19 testing, at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests have greatly increased access to testing for many individuals. However, with newer variants the reliability of a single at-home rapid test is a concern. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is now recommending the following repeat testing instructions below to reduce your risk of\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/safety-communications\/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-results-fda-safety#:~:text=November%2017%2C%202022%2C%20Update%3A,details%2C%20see%20FDA%20Actions%20below\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"9\">false negative results:<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li><span><b>If you receive a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test result,<\/b><\/span><span>\u00a0the test did not detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus\u00a0<i>at the time of that test.<\/i><\/span>\n<ul type=\"circle\">\n<li><span>If you have\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/symptoms-testing\/symptoms.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"10\">COVID-19 symptoms<\/a><\/span><span>,\u00a0<\/span><span><b>test again 48 hours after the first negative test<\/b><\/span><span>, for a total of\u00a0<b>at least two tests.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>If you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, but<b>\u00a0you have been exposed to COVID-19,<\/b>\u00a0test again 48 hours after the first negative test, then 48 hours after the second negative test, for a total of\u00a0<b>at least three tests.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><u>Influenza (Flu)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>Flu is circulating at higher levels this year than the same time in previous years. Massachusetts is currently at a\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/weekly-flu-report\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"11\">very high<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span>level of transmission. Symptoms of flu may include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headache or fatigue. The best way to reduce your risk of seasonal flu is to get vaccinated. To find out where to get the flu vaccine, search in your area on the CDC\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vaccines.gov\/find-vaccines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"12\">website<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0dedicated to vaccines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Student Health Services will be offering\u00a0<b>flu shots<\/b>\u00a0Monday, Jan. 23 through Friday, Jan. 27, from 9AM-3PM\u00a0<\/span><span>at our\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/calendar\/?eid=276561&amp;oid=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"13\">Immunization Clinics<\/a>.<\/span><span><b>\u00a0Students seeking an appointment can schedule online via\u00a0<\/b><\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/patientconnect.bu.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"14\"><b>Patient Connect<\/b><\/a><\/span><span><b>.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><span><b><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Occupational Health Center is now offering additional\u00a0<b>flu shots<\/b>\u00a0by appointment only.\u00a0<b>Faculty\/staff seeking an appointment can call\u00a0<\/b><\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/buohc\/flu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"15\"><b>Occupational Health Center<\/b><\/a><\/span><span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><span><b>at 617-353-6630 to schedule.<\/b><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>More information on what to do when you\u2019re sick is available on the Student Health Services\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/primary-care\/what-to-do-when-you-are-sick\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"16\">website<\/a><\/span><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>RSV<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms. While most people recover in a week or two, RSV can be serious for infants and older adults. There is currently no available RSV vaccine, however hand hygiene, frequently cleaning high touch surfaces, avoiding sharing cups and utensils, and covering coughs and sneezes can help reduce your risk and transmission of RSV. For more information on RSV, please visit the CDC\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rsv\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"17\">website<\/a><\/span><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>As always, taking time for yourself, eating nutritious foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and sleeping 7-8 hours nightly will help to improve your overall health and may prevent adverse outcomes from respiratory illnesses. Look for ways to stay well throughout the semester by checking out resources on\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wellness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"18\">employee wellness<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/getting-started\/resources-for-health-and-wellness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"19\">student wellness<\/a><\/span><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Wishing you all a healthy spring 2023 semester,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Judy T. Platt, MD\u00a0<i>(she\/her\/hers)<\/i><\/span><span><br aria-hidden=\"true\" \/>Chief Health Officer and Executive Director<br aria-hidden=\"true\" \/>Student Health Services<br \/>\n<\/span><span>Boston University<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Please find a message regarding Spring 2023 public health reminders from Chief Health Officer Judy Platt, MD, below. Dear Members of our Boston University Community, Welcome back to campus as we head into the spring semester! Please read below for important public health reminders about: \u00a0Masking requirements and recommendations COVID-19, including US travel requirements and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20706,"featured_media":79140,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[7158,795,7157],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91307"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20706"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=91307"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91307\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":91309,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91307\/revisions\/91309"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/79140"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=91307"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=91307"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=91307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}