The following is a message from:
Sarah Van Orman, MD MMM FACHA; Vice President and Chief Campus Health Officer
Deona Willes, MPH CLS; Executive Director, Environmental Health & Safety
Health Advisory: Respiratory Season
As we approach the upcoming travel and gatherings season over the upcoming holidays, please be advised of the following hygiene and health precautions related to respiratory illnesses.
Immunizations
November typically is the beginning of peak respiratory illness season, this includes influenza, COVID-19, and other illnesses that share similar symptoms.
INFLUENZA (Flu) — If you have not yet received a flu vaccination, the next few weeks BEFORE the quick succession of Thanksgiving gatherings/travel, study week, and final exams are the ideal time for getting your vaccination.
No “Out-of-Pocket-Cost” Flu shots
- Students on all insurances (first 200 students) are welcome to receive a no “out-of-pocket-cost” flu shot at the Farmer’s Market on McCarthy Quad on November 6 and 13, between 11:30 AM- 2 PM. Walk-ins (Engemann/Eric Cohen) and appointments (through MySHR) are also available. Students on the SHIP/Aetna plan always have a $0 copay for this immunization; students on other insurances are normally charged $20 on their student account. Through USC Student Health.
- Faculty and staff on all USC employee health plans may receive a no “out-of-pocket-cost” flu shot at the USC Pharmacies. Through USC Pharmacies.
COVID-19—All individuals are recommended to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccination, which has been updated for fall 2024/winter 2025. Students should go through USC Student Health (immunizations, in Engemann/Eric Cohen). Faculty and staff may go through USC Pharmacies or retailers that are covered through their health insurance plan.
Other respiratory illnesses on the rise in 2024
The following illnesses have been identified by the CDC and other surveillance methods as on the increase:
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): This is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Infants and older adults are more likely to experience severe illness if they have RSV. Vaccinations for these populations are available and highly recommended.
- Pertussis (“whooping cough”): This is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Symptoms may vary based on age, but in adults can begin as a mild cough or cold-like symptoms. Symptoms may take 5-10 days to appear after exposure, or as long as 3 weeks. Infants may not cough at all but struggle to breathe. Vaccinations are available for all ages (DTaP for infants and young children; Tdap for adolescents and adults) and are highly recommended. If you are an adult and are not sure if you are current on your vaccination status, contact your health care provider to ensure you are up to date on this immunization.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae(associated with “walking pneumonia”): M. pneumoniae is a bacterium that is a common cause of mild respiratory illness. Symptom onset is typically gradual and for adolescents and adults can include fever, cough, and a sore throat. When infection progresses to pneumonia, it’s typically a less severe form of bacterial pneumonia commonly referred to as “walking pneumonia.” infections can occur at any age, but they most often occur among children ages 5–17 years and young adults.
Hygiene Measures
For all respiratory illnesses, hygiene measures can be incorporated as an important part of illness prevention.
- Handwashing or hand sanitizing: Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (or using hand sanitizer, when handwashing is not available) is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness during respiratory season.
- Covering your cough avoids transmission through droplets.
- Staying home when you are sick helps prevent illness from spreading to classmates, teammates, and co-workers.
- If you are traveling, this presents many points of contact with others, so you may choose to wear a high-quality mask to prevent transmission and exposure.
These hygiene measures — combined with immunizations — are the best tools for reducing illness in our classes and communities, and prevent transmission to those who may be more vulnerable to severe illness.
For any questions, please contact campushealth@usc.edu.
