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Communicable Diseases

UM-Flint EHS is engaged with our institutional and community public health partners regarding respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus and other community health-related issues. The university encourages all faculty, staff and students to remain informed and mindful of keeping our campus community healthy and safe. 

If you are ill, or not feeling well, take precautions so as not to spread infection or illness to others.  Seek medical advice and guidance from your physician or local and state health departments.

Tips for Preventing Infectious Diseases

  1. Stay home if you’re sick.
  2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. When unavailable, use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol.
  3. Clean and sanitize high-touch areas in your home, study areas, and workplace often.
  4. Get vaccinated and stay current on recommended boosters. See details in the section below.
  5. Keep your immune system strong by eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
  6. Remember that masks remain an effective measure for enhanced personal protection against viruses.
  7. Stay informed on updated best practices for preventing illness from reputable resources. These include: Genesee County Health Department or your local health department and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. You can also learn about Seasonal Respiratory Illness in Michigan. 

Vaccinations

Contact your healthcare provider or your local county health department, review the reliable vaccine information from state and local public health organizations, or visit a nearby pharmacy to get further information on a variety of vaccinations.

Learn about vaccines at  GCHD Vaccine and Immunization Programs website.  The State of Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian has issued a Standing Recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine.  MDHHS continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, including those who are pregnant. This aligns with longstanding guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and in some cases death. 

NEW Genesee County Health Department Location adjacent to UM-Flint Campus

We are fortunate to have GCHD located just across the street from the UM-Flint University Pavilion (UPAV). Although we frequently partner with GCHD to schedule on-campus vaccine clinics and activities, GCHD also has walk-in clinical hours for vaccination at their 324 N. Saginaw St. location across from UPAV and adjacent to the Riverfront Housing and Banquet Center.  Check the hours below or their GCHD Vaccine and Immunization Programs.

Walk-ins

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 8 a.m. to Noon

Appointments

Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Late Clinic

Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

CIDRAP The Vaccine Integrity Project

(University of Minnesota, Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy)

CIDRAP’s Vaccine Integrity Project is an initiative dedicated to safeguarding vaccine use in the U.S. so that it remains grounded in the best available science, free from external influence, and focused on optimizing protection of individuals, families, and communities against vaccine-preventable diseases. 

The Vaccine Integrity Project assembled a team of experts in epidemiology, infectious diseases, and evidence review to look at the recently published body of publicly available data concerning vaccine safety and efficacy for flu, COVID, and RSV immunizations. During the live stream on August 19th From Data to Decisions: The Evidence Base for 2025 Fall/Winter Immunizations, the scientific research team focused on the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 and RSV immunizations in pregnant, pediatric, and immunocompromised populations, coupled with a panel-led Q&A session.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as: runny nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and fever. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. The illness can look different in very young infants, with the only symptoms being irritability, decreased activity, and difficulty breathing.

RSV Resources

Norovirus

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-itis) or digestive tract illnesses in people. Norovirus is sometimes incorrectly called the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug”, however, norovirus is not related to the respiratory flu, which is caused by influenza virus. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only 1 to 2 days.

Norovirus Resources

COVID – 19

COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency but is still a common and serious respiratory illness that can be life-threatening in some cases. Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status, but may include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you are feeling sick, or have symptoms that aren’t explained by another cause, Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick). 

Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness; treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness.

COVID Resources

Influenza

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, in severe cases, can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. If you suspect that you have the flu, stay home, avoid being around others and spreading the virus, and if needed, seek advice from your medical provider.

Influenza Resources
Links to county, state and national health agencies with useful information about influenza and staying healthy

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through direct person-to-person contact and through the air. Anyone who is not immune to measles is at risk. Measles symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus but can take up to 21 days. Measles can be spread by an infected individual before they show symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

  • High fever (may spike to over 104 ̊F).
  • Cough.
  • Runny nose.
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
  • Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots).
  • A rash that starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline, then spreads to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin. Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.

Individuals who think they may have been exposed, or who develop symptoms, are urged to call their health care provider before seeking testing or treatment so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to other individuals.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  It is possible that individuals vaccinated prior to 1968 received a less-effective version of the vaccine. Individuals vaccinated before 1989 may have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine and may be eligible for a second dose. If you fall into either of these categories, or if you are unsure whether you have ever received the MMR vaccine, contact your health care provider or local pharmacy to see if you are eligible for a dose of the vaccine.

MEASLES Resources

Wastewater Surveillance for Disease

Wastewater surveillance is an important tool used in public health to track the spread of diseases in communities. Data can help local agencies identify trends of outbreak early and direct any prevention efforts where they are most needed. The CDC and State of Michigan have coordinated projects to conduct surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) shed into Michigan public sewer systems.

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