A Letter From The Medical Director

Dear William & Mary Community,

Welcome back! It’s wonderful to see our scenic campus so full of energy and excitement as the fall semester gets underway. As we gather here, it’s important to remember that we share more than just great ideas and experiences—we also share germs!

With several now-endemic viruses circulating—including flu (low activity currently), COVID-19 (moderate levels currently), RSV (low-levels currently), and many others as well—I want to give you a few reminders to help keep yourself and others healthy:

Prevention Tips

Stay up to date on vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and other recommended immunizations. W&M sponsors well-publicized flu clinics throughout the month of October, which is an excellent time to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated at a local pharmacy or back home on fall break are also great options.
Wash your hands frequently and practice good general hygiene.
Consider wearing a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially if you're feeling under the weather.

If You Get Sick

Whether it is COVID, Influenza or any other respiratory virus, the management is essentially the same. Self-testing is particularly encouraged for COVID since these tests are inexpensive and readily available.
Most viral illnesses have mild symptoms and can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. Severe symptoms such as significant shortness of breath, high fever, or chest pain should be medically evaluated. Again, the vast majority of these infections are relatively mild and self-limiting. Antibiotics are entirely ineffective against viral illnesses.
Do not attend class or work if you have a fever. Stay home until you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and your symptoms are improving. Again, this is true whether you have been diagnosed with COVID, flu, or any other virus that nobody else wants to contract!!
Communicate your situation with your employer or professors. Excuse notes are not required, nor are they provided at W&M—one of W&M’s many claims to fame is that it is home of the first honor code in an American university!! –and it is this venerable code of ethics that makes such documentation unnecessary.

Returning Safely

Once you're feeling better, continue practicing good hygiene.
Wearing a mask for a few extra days after recovery is a thoughtful way to protect others.

More information about contagious diseases can be found here.

Let’s take care of ourselves and each other as we dive into a vibrant and productive semester.

Warm regards,

David D. Dafashy, M.D.
Medical Director
Student Health
W&M