Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory illnesses, including influenza (flu), COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, can spread easily from person to person. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) encourages students, employees and visitors to take reasonable precautions to help protect themselves and others and reduce the spread of illness within the College community.

Help Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Illness

Take these everyday precautions to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses:

Stay home when you are sick. Students should contact their professors, and employees should notify their supervisors if illness prevents them from attending class or work.

Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Limit close contact with others when you are sick to help prevent spreading illness.

Monitor your symptoms and contact your health care provider if you have concerns about your symptoms or need medical guidance.

Consider recommended vaccinations. Talk with your health care provider about vaccinations that may be appropriate for you.

Additional Information and Resources

For current information about respiratory illnesses, prevention, vaccinations and community health guidance, visit:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Florida Department of Health