Healthy Habits to Avoid Coronavirus Outbreak

Sent: January 29, 2020
From: SJSU Student Health Medical Chief, Dr. Barbara Fu

Dear Campus Community,

The ongoing coverage of the recent outbreak of illness caused by a new strain of coronavirus, 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov), in Wuhan, China, may be a source of concern for our community. I want to provide you with timely and relevant information as the health and well-being of our SJSU students, faculty and staff are important priorities.  

The SJSU Student Health Center is actively monitoring the 2019-nCoV outbreak, following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines as well as communicating with the Santa Clara Public Health Department. I encourage you to learn more about nCoV and practice healthy habits highlighted below to avoid contracting or spreading illness.

Latest Update

There are no reported cases of novel coronavirus at San Jose State University or in Santa Clara County. The cases that have been detected in the U.S. are related to individuals who were exposed while travelling abroad. Due to the rapidly evolving public health concern, it is important to note that this situation can change and individuals should monitor news for the latest developments. 

Symptoms of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Symptoms of the 2019-nCoV infection include respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and fever. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 after exposure. A severe infection with coronaviruses can lead to serious acute respiratory and systemic disease.

Preventive Care

To protect yourself, the CDC recommends the following:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol- based rub if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Stay home when you are sick and cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.

Since it is flu season, the CDC also recommends persons getting the flu shot to help prevent the spread of germs and diseases.

Avoid Nonessential Travel to China

SJSU concurs with CDC recommendations that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China at this time. This advisement will be evaluated and updated as public health concerns related to 2019-nCoV and conditions evolve.

Seek Treatment Quickly if Symptoms Appear

If you have recently traveled to China within the past two weeks and feel ill with symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing, or you have had contact with a person confirmed to have 2019-nCoV, please:

  • Stay home and avoid contact with others, except when seeking medical care.
  • Call your healthcare provider or the Student Health Center and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. While traveling to see a healthcare provider, you should wear a face mask.

All visits to the SJSU Student Health Center are confidential as the university complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

If you have further questions, call your healthcare provider or the SJSU Student Health Center at (408) 924-6122.

Other Available Resources

The following resources are available with information on 2019-nCoV: