Health & Wellness

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include the following:

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

Important: Please do not show up at a clinic, urgent care, emergency room, or other health facility without calling first. Your provider will need to take special measures to protect other people in the clinic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the virus is currently believed to spread in two ways:

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (asymptomatic) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (pre-symptomatic) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.

Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects

It is possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, however this is not thought to be the primary way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading easily and sustainably in the community.

Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

You may be able to reduce the risk of spread of coronaviruses by taking the same steps as you would to prevent infection from the flu and the common cold:

• Wash hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if water is not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.

Masks are not required on Drake's campus at this time. Individuals who choose to wear a mask are encouraged and supported to do so. The exception to this is for individuals following isolation protocols.

The University’s custodial cleaning program uses an EPA-registered disinfectant to clean touch points, public and common areas, restrooms, and kitchens daily.

We understand that some community members are concerned.  If you would like to talk with someone, support is available to students through Student Counseling Services. Faculty and staff can utilize the Employee Assistance Program. 

You can help prevent the spread of colds and other viral ailments by doing the following:

• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and immediately dispose of the tissue.
• Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

As with any disaster, the novel coronavirus outbreak presents an added layer of stress and worry for members of our Drake community who have personal connections to the affected area. This is a critically-important time for all of us to reinforce a community of care on our campus and support one another.

If you would like to talk with someone, support is available to students through Student Counseling Services. Faculty and staff can utilize the Employee Assistance Program.