Staying Well This New Year

The Health and Counseling Center at Regis wants the community to be aware that as we return from our travels and come back to campus life this time of year exposes us to germs that cause an increase in cases of the common cold, flu, COVID, and other viruses.

The Denver area is currently experiencing an increase in cases of norovirus. This virus is typically referred to as a “stomach bug,” but it can create some major gastrointestinal discomfort and, at times, hospitalization due to dehydration. The most common symptoms are:

• Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain

Other possible symptoms are:

• Fever, headache, and body aches

Some ways to prevent the spread of norovirus are:

• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or before eating or preparing food. Hand sanitizer alone is not effective against norovirus.
• Stay hydrated. If you are experiencing symptoms of norovirus, this is especially important.
• Cook food thoroughly.  Eating raw or undercooked shellfish can lead to contracting Norovirus.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.  The CDC recommends using a bleach solution or an EPA-registered disinfecting product against norovirus.

For most cases norovirus can be treated without seeking medical care. For special cases like dehydration, fever, severe pain or symptoms that do not go away, please see your doctor. Students may always schedule an appointment with the Health and Counseling Center, either by phone or via internet.  

If you have additional questions you can also call or email the Health and Counseling Center.  More information is also available from the CDC and from Denver Public Health.