COVID Education & Resources

COVID Facts for Fall 2023

• COVID cases are surging. 

• The CDC expects COVID, RSV and the flu to surge this winter. 

• Our campuses and communities are unprepared, and our safety nets are gone. 

• Now is a great time to stay informed and layer precautions! 

 

What are symptoms to look out for? 

• Sore throat, fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, muscle pain, headache - it varies. It's also common to be asymptomatic, lacking any symptoms. 

• COVID is still common. 

• Do not assume it's allergies, a cold, or the flu. If you feel off, mask up and take a test. 

 

Who is at risk for Long COVID? 

• Everyone is at risk of lasting symptoms and new health issues after any infection, including mild and asymptomatic ones. 

• Long COVID is complex, chronic, and often debilitating. 

 

How many people get Long COVID? 

• At least 10% of COVID infections result in Long COVID (Davis et al., 2023) 

• Every time you have COVID, there is a 1 in 10 chance you may get Long COVID (LC). 

• In college: Studies show that LC can be very prevalent on college campuses. Among GWU campus community members who had COVID, 36% reported LC symptoms on a follow up survey. (Landry et al., 2023)

 

Wear a mask

Consistently wearing high quality N95, KN95, or KF94 masks is the best way to prevent yourself and others from getting infected.

• The best mask is the one that fits your face and one you'll wear consistently.

• Masking up in classes, common areas, transit, healthcare, and crowded spaces is important to avoid getting sick, and to protect others.

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Cleaner Air & Ventilation

COVID moves through the air like smoke.

The virus spreads through airborne particles & droplets from people’s breath.

• Cleaner and well-ventilated air helps keep you safer. Using HEPA filters, opening windows, and moving plans outdoors can help reduce infection risk.

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Vaccines & Boosters

New booster alert: Updated vaccines that target the newer XBB variant are available!

Immunity to COVID decreases over time, whether that is from past vaccines or infections. Staying up to date on boosters is important to reduce the risk of severe infections and hospitalization.

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What's the best way to find out about COVID transmission in my area?

• Wastewater surveillance is the most accurate because it doesn’t rely on individuals’ tests.

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Testing

• Be sure to test if you feel sick, even if you don't suspect COVID.

• Test before you see people unmasked and a few days after risky situations.

• Rapid tests may not be positive until 3-5 days into an infection or longer, so keep testing! If you’re able, get a PCR to confirm infection. Keep a record of your test result in case of lasting symptoms.

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Isolation and Quarantine

• If you think you might be sick or have COVID, it’s crucial to mask up, stay home & isolate away from others.

• National Nurses United recommends isolating for 10 days

• If you have COVID, stay away from others until you test negative

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Treatment

• You can get Paxlovid treatment though telehealth programs such as Test to Treat and Plushcare.

• Stop, rest, pace - rest is extremely important when you have covid.

• Studies show that rest is important to preventing complications/Long COVID

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Have Lingering Symptoms?

• You may have Long COVID and associated conditions (LCACs) and should talk to your doctor.

• LCACs can qualify as a disability under the ADA/Section 504, entitling you to accommodations at school and work