Public Health Updates · Angelo State University

Source: http://www.angelo.edu/public-health

Archived: 2026-04-23 17:08

Public Health Updates · Angelo State University
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Public Health Updates
Public Health Updates
Keeping the Ram Family safe and informed throughout all seasons.
Winter Weather
As temperatures drop, be sure to dress in the appropriate layers for the conditions. Protect yourself from wind, moisture and extreme cold by choosing insulated clothing, waterproof outerwear and proper footwear. Staying warm helps prevent cold-related illness and keeps our Ram Fam safe and healthy all season long.
Chilly
Suggested layers:
1–2 layers on top
Long layer on bottom
Outer layer to keep out wind and rain
Warm shoes (waterproof)
Cold
Suggested layers:
2–3 layers on top
1–2 layers on bottom
Warm hat
Gloves
Outer layer to block wind and wet snow
Boots (waterproof)
Extreme Cold
Suggested layers:
3+ layers on top (insulating)
2+ layers on bottom
Warm hat
Face mask
Outer layer to keep out wind, wet snow
Gloves
Boots (waterproof)
Respiratory Viral Infections
During winter, our attention turns to indoor activities—family gatherings, holiday events, and keeping out of the cold by spending more time inside.
Here, we will focus on three respiratory viral infections that are highly infectious—the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Because all three have very similar signs and symptoms, the best way to tell the difference and get a diagnosis is by getting tested. The earlier an illness is diagnosed, the sooner a course of treatment can be identified. Getting treated early can reduce the risk of getting very sick.
Flu
The flu is caused by the influenza virus and spreads more easily during the winter months.
Symptoms
Fever
Chills
Headache
Cough
Muscle soreness
Fatigue
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Runny nose
Sore throat
Flu Vaccines
The Flu Vaccine is free to students who have paid their Medical Services Fee.
There’s a $35 vaccination fee for flu shots for ASU faculty and staff and community members. Cash, checks and insurance are accepted. If you are submitting insurance, no payment is required at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card.
A high-dose flu vaccine is also available.
You can also visit the on-campus Shannon Clinic-Jackson to get your vaccine(s). Clinic hours are Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
COVID-19
Please handle COVID-19 as you would any other illness. If you are feeling sick, please stay home and seek the advice of a medical professional.
We encourage the Ram Family to follow guidance from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
and
keep the Ram Fam healthy
.
Safety Standards and Resources
Campus COVID-19 Policies
Students
If you have paid your Medical Services Fee, you may visit any Shannon Urgent Care location.
Quarantine or isolation recommendations should come from a medical professional, as well as the proper procedure to notify any identified close contacts.
If you live on campus and are instructed to quarantine or isolate, please contact Housing and Residential Programs at 325-942-2035 or
housing@angelo.edu
, or contact a member of the residence hall staff for assistance.
If you are instructed to quarantine or isolate, you will be required to work individually with each of your professors to determine the appropriate method for continued class participation. Notifications
will not
be sent on your behalf. Your professors may ask for a medical document excusing you from class, if necessary.
In case of an illness requiring absence from class for more than one week, please notify the Office of the Dean of Students at 325-942-2047 or
deanofstudents@angelo.edu
. We’ll be here to help support you!
If you do not feel comfortable coming back to in-person classes, please seek online class opportunities or an
ADA accommodation
.
Faculty/Staff
If you test positive for COVID-19 or are living with a family member who has tested positive, please contact your direct supervisor for next steps.
COVID Testing
If you feel you need to be tested for COVID-19, you can get tested at
Shannon Clinic
.
COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccinations are available through our partners at
Shannon
. You can get your vaccine at Shannon Pharmacy, located at 119 E. Beauregard. Vaccines are available Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
RSV
RSV is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, a highly contagious virus that can infect children and adults. In infants and the elderly, the symptoms can be more severe, while in adults and older children, RSV is typically milder.
Symptoms
In adults and older children, typical RSV symptoms include:
Low-grade fever
Congested or runny nose
Cough
Sore throat
Headache
Fatigue
Occasional wheezing
In younger children and the elderly or immunocompromised, RSV can cause a lower respiratory tract illness such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, and in more severe cases can result in respiratory failure. Severe symptoms may include:
Worsening croupy cough
Unusually rapid breathing
Difficulty breathing
Bluish color of the lips or fingernails due to low oxygen in the blood
Preventative Actions to Help Stop the Spread of Germs
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, sleeve, or elbow.
Wash your hands often and correctly (with soap and water for 20 seconds).
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way and can infect respiratory pathways.
Avoid sharing cups, glasses and utensils with other people.
Do not come in close contact with other people.
Clean contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs and countertops with disinfectants.
Stay home when you are sick.
Avoid exposure to sick persons, especially those that have cold-like symptoms. Avoid crowds if you are a high-risk individual.
Information source: San Angelo Department of Health Services
Heat Stress
During summer in Texas, our attention shifts to staying cool—finding shade, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding the heat during the hottest parts of the day.
Recognize the Signs of Heat Stress
Illness
Symptoms
Action
Heat Rash
Skin redness, raised bumps, itching, burning
Keep skin as dry as possible.
Heat Fatigue
Lack of coordination, decreased mental ability
Move to a cool environment. Give water by mouth.
Heat Cramps
Muscle pain, spasms, profuse sweating, thirst, weakness, fatigue
Call for medical help. Move victim to cool environment and give water by mouth. Salt tablets should be avoided.
Heat Exhaustion
Cool pale skin, intense thirst, headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, profuse sweating, rapid pulse, confusion
Call medical immediately. Move victim to shade, loosen clothing and apply cool towels to head, arms and legs. Give water by mouth, if victim is conscious and coherent (one cup every 10 minutes).
Heat Stroke
Hot dry skin, no sweating, rapid weak pulse, extreme confusion, shallow breathing, unconsciousness
Call medical immediately. Move victim to shade, remove restrictive clothes, and cool rapidly by drenching or wet towels. Do not give fluids by mouth.