Health & Wellness

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Because this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, the CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available, including any changes in the risk assessment.

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.
• Wear a fabric or cloth face mask when you must go out in public. Guidance for making these is available from the CDC and IDPH.
• 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.

Faculty, staff, students, vendors and visitors to Drake University are required to wear a face covering while in campus buildings. Face coverings must also be worn in outdoor settings where safe social distancing is not possible. The following in-building exceptions apply:

• Employees working alone in their offices
• Students in their residence hall room (unless the door is open or visitors are present)
• While participating in activities in which a face covering cannot be worn or would prohibit respiratory function (e.g., eating, drinking, playing a musical instrument)

Local and state public health agencies currently recommend that people wear cloth or fabric masks when they are in public. Guidance on how to make these is available from the CDC and IDPH. N95 and surgical masks are requested to be saved for use by healthcare providers and other high exposure risk occupations.

If you develop symptoms—such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please take the following steps:

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

The CDC also advises you to:

• Avoid contact with others and do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean your hands by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol immediately after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.

Monitor your symptoms closely. Take your temperature if you believe you have a fever.

The Iowa Department of Public Health requires sick individuals to stay home from school and work until:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers); AND
• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved); AND
• at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

Take care of yourself. Rest as much as possible. Drink lots of fluids.

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.