{"id":6,"date":"2022-07-27T18:20:16","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T18:20:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lvc.edu\/health-services\/illness-resources\/"},"modified":"2025-10-01T13:14:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T17:14:35","slug":"illness-resources","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lvc.edu\/health-services\/illness-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"Infectious Diseases Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Infectious Diseases Information<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/h1>\n
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Resources<\/h3>\n \n \n
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\n \n Respiratory Viruses (Flu, RSV, and COVID)<\/span>\n\n \n \n \n \n<\/svg>\n <\/button>\n \n
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How do I best prepare to avoid respiratory illnesses?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The best way to avoid feeling unwell whether due to allergies, the flu, or potentially COVID, is to practice good, healthy habits.\u202f Frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer is strongly encouraged.\u202f Eating healthy meals and exercising are also good habits.\u202f You should also take advantage of available vaccinations (both flu and COVID) to remain healthy.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Be prepared for any illness by having tissues, over-the-counter medicines, snack food and beverages and a supply of masks available.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Respiratory Viruses Spread<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Respiratory viruses are mainly spread through breathing in droplets coming from an infected person coughing, sneezing, and sometimes simply talking. These droplets can land on the mouths or noses of healthy people nearby and start an illness for them. Additionally, touching a surface that has been contaminated with droplets and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose can also spread the infection. Which is why we recommend masking and practicing good hand hygiene!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Common Symptoms of Respiratory Illnesses:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Illness<\/strong><\/td>\nCold<\/strong><\/td>\nRSV<\/strong><\/td>\nFlu<\/strong><\/td>\nCOVID<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Onset<\/strong><\/td>\nGradual<\/td>\nGradual<\/td>\nSudden<\/td>\nUsually, gradual<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fever<\/strong><\/td>\nUncommon, mild<\/td>\nCommon<\/td>\nVery common, Severe<\/td>\nCommon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/strong><\/td>\nVery common<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nCommon<\/td>\nVery Common<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Body aches<\/strong><\/td>\nMild<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nVery common<\/td>\nCommon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fatigue\/tiredness<\/strong><\/td>\nMild<\/td>\nModerate<\/td>\nSevere<\/td>\nModerate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stuffy nose\/ sneezing<\/strong><\/td>\nVery common<\/td>\nVery common<\/td>\nCommon<\/td>\nVery common<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sore throat<\/strong><\/td>\nVery common<\/td>\nUncommon<\/td>\nCommon<\/td>\nVery common<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vomiting\/Diarrhea<\/strong><\/td>\nUncommon<\/td>\nUncommon<\/td>\nCommon<\/td>\nVery common<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Incubation Period<\/strong><\/td>\n1-3 days after exposure<\/td>\n4-6 days after exposure<\/td>\n1-4 days after exposure<\/td>\n2-14 days after exposure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Duration\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nUp to 1-2 weeks<\/td>\n10-14 days<\/td>\nUp to 7 days<\/td>\n2-14 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contagiousness<\/strong><\/td>\n1-2 days before symptoms.<\/p>\n

Up to 2 weeks with symptoms.<\/td>\n

1-2 days before symptoms.<\/p>\n

3-8 days with symptoms.<\/td>\n

1 day before symptoms.<\/p>\n

Up to 4 days with symptoms.<\/td>\n

2-3 days before symptoms.<\/p>\n

Up to 7 days with symptoms.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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* Please note LVC Health Center does not screen for flu or RSV, see your local urgent or express care center or family doctor for testing.<\/p>\n

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What should I do if I feel sick?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You should do your best to self-isolate, wear a mask when in groups or close contact with others, and practice good hand hygiene. You may drop self-isolation after symptoms are improving or fever is gone for 24 hours without using fever reducing medication such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). We do highly encourage the use of a mask if still exhibiting any symptoms to slow the spread of illness to others. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, see the resources below for prevention of transmission, how to keep you and those around you healthy, and when to seek medical care. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Should I Seek Medical Care?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a chronic medical condition that would make the illness worse such as lung, heart, or other conditions it is important that you see a medical professional at the earliest signs of symptoms. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When should I contact the Health Center via MyLVC<\/a>?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n