We follow CDC guidance and local health department guidelines for students who test positive for any respiratory infection, including COVID-19

CDC respiratory illness information

Residential spaces

WashU has undertaken a thorough review of the HVAC systems in residential spaces. Additional measures, where needed, including upgraded filtration, extended run time of air systems, and increased outdoor air supply were implemented in 2021 so that these spaces met CDC and ASHRAE guidelines.

Students who have been exposed to COVID-19 

If exposed, you are asked to follow updated CDC guidelines.

Students who have tested positive for COVID-19, Influenza or RSV

Will be prescribed antiviral medications if appropriate, and the following information will be given.

Take care of yourself

Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen for fever, headache, or body aches and a cough suppressant to help you feel better. Do not exercise strenuously.

Monitor your symptoms. Common symptoms of COVID-19/Influenza and other respiratory viruses include, but are not limited to:

  • Fever
  • Congestion
  • Sore throat
  • New or worsening cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of taste or smell

Call us at 314-935-4959 during business hours if you are concerned about any of your symptoms. If you are on campus and have concerning symptoms after hours, call WUPD at 314-935-5555; members of the Emergency Support Team will assess you. Off campus, call 911. Let the emergency providers know if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or Influenza.

When to seek emergency medical attention:  Warning signs include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face
Mental health support

Reach out to CCPS (on or off campus): 314-935-6695 during office hours. After hours, please sign up to speak to a mental health counselor virtually at TimelyCare.

Help protect others

Follow CDC guidance regarding hygiene (practices that improve cleanliness):

  • Wash your hands and clean surface areas frequently
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw used tissues in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
  • Avoid contact with others in your room/suite, as much as possible.
  • Wear a well-fitting mask at all times when you are around other people in your room/suite.
  • Donʼt share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
  • Take steps to improve ventilation in your apartment by opening the windows, if possible and safe to do
Meals and groceries

If you would like to have food or other necessities delivered to your living quarters:

  • Off Campus: Order through a food or grocery delivery service (eg. GrubHub, DoorDash, etc.
  • On Campus: order through MobileDining on Campus. You can go to the dining hall masked to pick up your food (or have a friend pick it up for you). Please return directly to your room and eat in your room if possible.
Notifications

Currently, the university is not requiring notifications. However, a letter will be given to students seen at Health Services to share with their professors outlining CDC guidelines for isolating until fever free for 24 hrs and wearing a mask around others for 5 additional days.