UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State officials are reminding the University community to continue to take precautions and personal health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses during the holiday gathering and travel season.
COVID-19
The University encourages all of those traveling over winter break to follow the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for travel during COVID-19. These precautions include:
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Making sure you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
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Considering getting tested before travel.
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Following current CDC recommendations for wearing masks in travel and public transportation settings.
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Getting tested after travel if your travel involved situations with greater risk of exposure such as being in crowded places while not wearing a high-quality mask or respirator.
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Checking your destination’s COVID-19 Community Level before traveling.
“While much of the country is currently experiencing lower COVID-19 Community Levels, according to the CDC, the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still out there and there are counties where the current level is high, including a handful in Pennsylvania,” said Kelly Wolgast, director of the university’s COVID-10 Operations Control Center. “Further, the public health community expects to see cases rise this winter as the weather turns colder and people begin gathering more frequently indoors and traveling over the holidays.”
COVID-19 tests and vaccines are widely available and typically covered by health insurance.
Local vaccine site locations listed by a ZIP code search can be found online at Vaccines.gov. Additionally, at University Park, University Health Services can provide appointments for students to receive their first and second doses (primary series) of the Moderna vaccine as well as their booster, including the Moderna bivalent booster.
Individuals with private health insurance coverage or who are covered by a group health plan also are eligible to have up to eight at-home COVID-19 tests covered by their insurance provider per month. Students who reside in residence halls may pick up a rapid test kit at commons desks at UP or at your campus test location to take home over the holiday.
As another reminder, students can self-report a positive COVID-19 test using Penn State's contact tracing referral form or by emailing contacttracing@psu.edu. More student information related to COVID-19 may be found at studentaffairs.psu.edu/covidsupport. Employees may still report positive COVID-19 tests to Occupational Medicine at 814-865-8612.
Influenza and RSV
COVID-19 is not the only virus of concern this season. According to the CDC, early increases in seasonal influenza activity continue nationwide. The southeastern and southcentral areas of the country are reporting the highest levels of activity followed by the mid-Atlantic and the south-central West Coast regions. The word “tripledemic” has been used to describe surging cases of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is overwhelming pediatric hospitals, and rising COVID-19 cases.
“It’s important to receive your flu shot as this will decrease your chance of contracting the flu, minimize symptoms if you do get the flu, and decrease spread to more vulnerable family and friends,” said Dr. Rebecca Simcik, University Health Services medical director. “RSV is a common respiratory illness this time of year and can cause more severe illness in the very young, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Most adults who contract RSV get typical cold symptoms. Unlike the flu, there is no widespread vaccine for RSV. However, diligence in handwashing and staying home/avoiding gatherings when sick work well to decrease spread of these illnesses.”
Masking may no longer be mandatory, but choosing to wear one if you are coughing or feeling unwell is an easy way to protect those around you. Wearing a well-fitting mask, such as a KN-95, when in crowded areas (airports, public transportation) is another easy way to protect yourself during travel.
“Traveling during the busy holiday season and gathering with family and friends is very likely to raise your chances of being exposed to these viruses,” said Wolgast. “The best way to keep yourself healthy and protect those around you who may be at higher risk is to be up to date with your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, practice personal health precautions, get tested for COVID-19 and, if positive, follow CDC recommendations for isolating.”