Infectious Disease Update & Resources

COVID-19 & INFLUENZA:

Cases and hospitalizations continue to decrease in Tarrant County. The graph linked below indicates the number of COVID-like-illness and influenza-like-illness emergency room visits over the last 7 days. As of 2/10/2023, the community level is medium.

• Prevention – Avoid contact with people who have been diagnosed or suspected of COVID-19 or influenza; wash your hands often with soap and water; social distance when possible; consider wearing a mask when indoors in crowded spaces.

• Vaccination – COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccines are available at HSC Health Student Health (817-735-5051) & Priority Care (817-735-2273) by appointment.

• Influenza & COVID-19 Testing – Contact HSC Health Student Health (817-735-5051) and/or Priority Care (817-735-2273) for an appointment.

• Isolation – Stay home if you’re sick. Get tested and wear a mask to protect others. If you’re positive for COVID-19, report symptoms, start date, last time on campus, and who you may have exposed to hsccovid@unthsc.edu.

NOROVIRUS:
A highly contagious stomach bug, norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States annually.

• Illness Duration – Symptoms, which include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting begin within 12-48 hours after exposure and resolve within three days.

• Treatment – There is no specific treatment or antiviral for norovirus, only symptom management, such as staying hydrated and managing fever.

• Nutrition – Follow a bland diet, eating foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and crackers. Avoid milk products, spicy foods, and alcohol until symptoms improve.

• Prevention – Wash your hands for 20 seconds after using the toilet, and before eating or preparing food. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Isolate – If you get sick, isolate until you feel better for 48 hours.

REFERENCES

• https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control—prevention/COVID-19.html

• https://abcnews.go.com/Health/norovirus-spreads-us/story?id=97005537