Guidance for Respiratory Illness

We have compiled information about management of respiratory illness, such as COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold. If you have any further questions, please contact healthservices@champlain.edu or call us at (802) 860-2711.

As of March 2024, the CDC and the Vermont Department of Health simplified guidance on the management of COVID-19 by developing a unified approach with other respiratory viruses such as the flu and the common cold. Champlain College's management of COVID-19 will now align with these new changes.

The bottom line is...if you are sick, stay home! If you are feeling better, continue to take precautions to prevent spread of infection and protect our community!

If you develop symptoms of respiratory illness like COVID-19, flu, or the common cold you should:

  • Wear a well-fitting mask and avoid contact with others. 
  • Stay home from normal activities, including class, if you have had either in the last 24 hours:
    • A fever greater than 100.4° F
    • Severe symptoms of a respiratory illness 
  • If you are concerned, discuss your symptoms with Student Health or your healthcare provider, especially if you have medical conditions that put you at risk for more serious illness. 
  • Practice good hygiene measures, get lots of rest, stay well hydrated and care for your symptoms. Here are some general instructions on self care.
  • You may pick up your meals to go at IDX by filling out the Sick Meal Request Form. 

You may return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:

  • Your symptoms have greatly improved, and
  • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). 


Continue these precautions for 5 days after returning to normal activities:

  • Wear a well-fitting mask and avoid prolonged contact with others.
  • Practice good hygiene: wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and disinfect personal spaces.
  • Enjoy fresh air, take walks outside, and maintain good air circulation in your room. 
  • If you develop symptoms or a fever again: stay home until your symptoms are improving overall, and you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications). 

Additional recommendations:

  • Contact your professors if missing classes, and together create a plan to make up for missed class work.
  • Stay vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.


If you have any questions, please contact us at healthservices@champlain.edu or call (802) 860-2711.