Current Health Advisories

Please check back frequently for updates about current public health concerns. If you have any further questions, please contact Health Services.

Staying Healthy This Fall

Returning to classes brings new exposure to germs. Meanwhile, lingering summer weather means mosquitoes and ticks are sticking around, too, along with the threat of the diseases they carry.

The good news is UMass Lowell students, faculty and staff can protect themselves — and each other — by taking a few commonsense precautions.

Mosquitoes and Ticks

Mosquitoes and ticks are nuisances, as well as sources of potentially serious disease.

Stay healthy by following some simple steps to avoid contact:

  1. Use insect repellent, and follow the instructions.
  2. Wear light-colored, protective clothing including long sleeves, pants and socks — particularly during dawn and dusk hours.
  3. Avoid tick habitats such as tall grasses and shrubs.
  4. Take steps to keep mosquitoes out of your home, including by eliminating sources of standing water.
  5. Use other mosquito controls, such as citronella candles.
  6. Check yourself, your children and pets for ticks when coming inside.
  7. Monitor local risks, especially before traveling, and watch for symptoms of illness.
  8. Call your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms after a mosquito or tick bite such as fever, headache, fatigue, rash, joint or muscle pain.

Respiratory Viruses

Most sore throats, colds and respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses that typically resolve within 1 to 2 weeks. These are spread through tiny air droplets released when a sick person sneezes, coughs or blows their nose.

Avoid getting sick by being vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, and washing your hands often.

If you do get sick, protect others by STAYING HOME, wearing a mask, getting tested for COVID-19 and other viruses, and seeking treatment if one is available.

Stay home until you’re fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, and you’re other symptoms are improving.

Seek medical care if you have:

  • Fever above 103 degrees that doesn’t respond to medication.
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
  • Sudden dizziness.
  • Confusion.
  • Severe or persistent vomiting.
  • Symptoms that improve but then return with fever or a worse cough.

UMass Lowell is currently finalizing flu shot clinics for later this fall. Watch the UML Today announcements in the coming weeks for more details.

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