COVID-19 Checkup

SHSU_COVID_Checkup_HeaderNewsletter

October 1, 2020

SHSU Community,

For more than six months, COVID has been distressing for everyone. Coupled with the anxiety of a potential second wave of the virus, it only stands to reason we are all mentally fatigued. In addition to professional and policy measures being taken to cope with COVID-19, we must also address personal health measures. Here are some valuable resources to help you stay mentally healthy during the coming months:

How to Build Your Resilience During COVID

COVID-19 and Your Mental Health

Coping With Stress

How Time in Nature Can Improve Our Mental Health

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19

COVID Conversations

The goal of COVID Conversations is to provide clarity on how our campus community is navigating the pandemic. Upcoming topics include: Mental Health, Contact Tracing and Answering Your COVID-related Questions.

COVID-19 Updates

As a reminder, confirmed cases of COVID-19 are added to the university’s dashboard every Monday through Friday, at approximately 4:30 p.m. To see the current number of cases, visit Dashboard Updates.

Huntsville Memorial Hospital is providing students FREE symptomatic and asymptomatic testing on campus, every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Specific testing information can be found on the SHC or Restart 2020 sites.

COVID Q&A

Fall has officially arrived! It’s finally jacket and sweater season, along with influenza season. As if things couldn’t get worse, the flu will overlap with COVID-19.

So, what does this mean? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) predicts that this fall could be one of the worst seasons we’ve had from a public health perspective with COVID-19 and the flu converging in a perfect storm of viruses. On a positive note, it could also be one of the best flu seasons we’ve had.

How can that be? If people continue to wear face masks, practice social distancing, follow proper handwashing techniques, stay home when they’re sick and avoid large, unsupervised gatherings such as festivals and other outdoor public events, they will limit the spread of both COVID-19 and influenza.

What could make this the worst flu season? COVID-19 and seasonal influenza are both viruses spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. They share similar symptoms — fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and muscle aches making it nearly impossible to tell them apart without testing. It is extremely important to continue wearing face coverings and properly social distance while you are out and about as it is possible for a person to get both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza at the same time.

What can I do?

  • Most importantly, get a flu shot
  • Wear a face covering, on and off campus
  • Avoid large gatherings
  • Practice social distancing
  • Proper hygiene

COVID-19 Resources

Resources

Since COVID-19 information seems to change on a daily basis, please refer to official university sources for the most accurate information. For the most current information, visit the Restart 2020 website daily.

COVID-19 Work Group

Members
NameDepartment
Drew Miller Student Affairs
Brian Loft Academic Affairs
Robert Williams Health Center
Joellen Tipton Residence Life
Ann Theodori SAM Center
Stephanie Knific Marketing & Communications
Rachel Shorter Tech/Desktop Services
Dustin LeNorman Athletics
Matt Roberts Facilities Services
Rhonda Beassie Human Resources
Candace Walkley College of Osteopathic Medicine
Erica Bumpurs Health Center
Mary-Katherine Breen Academic Success Center
Wayne Barrett College of Arts & Media
Anne Gaillard Biology/College of Science & Engineering Technology
Steve Jeter Public Safety
Ad Hoc Members
NameDepartment
Jerrell Sherman Dean of Students Office
Jessica Smith Human Resources
Rachel Valle Student Activities
Clint Lockwood Enrollment Management
Terry Blaylock Client Services
Kristy Vienne Auxiliary Services
Bill Angrove SHSU Online
Julie Schwab Provost's Office