Public Health
Public health is central to the academic and personal success of every student. In this section, we offer a deep dive into the health compliance policies, initiatives, and guidelines established to promote a healthy community, prevent/reduce communicable disease transmission, and our response to public health emergencies/threats. Explore our proactive measures and commitment to ensuring a safe and health-conscious campus environment.
Additional resources:
Hopkins Medicine Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control
Bloomberg School of Public Health
Norovirus: What you need to know
As we return to campus and community activities, we want to inform you that norovirus, a highly contagious virus, is circulating across the United States, including Maryland & DC. Norovirus causes symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. It spreads through contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or sharing food and drinks.
Key Facts and Prevention Tips:
- Hygiene is Essential: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against norovirus.
- Symptom Duration: Symptoms typically last 1-3 days
- Stay Home if Sick & Practice Isolation: Avoid attending class, work, or social events if you have symptoms.
- You are most contagious:
- When you have symptoms of norovirus illness, especially vomiting.
- During the first few days after you feel better.
- However, studies have shown that you can still spread norovirus for 2 weeks or more after you feel better.
What to Do if You’re Sick:
- Rest and Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids like water, Gatorade, or Pedialyte to prevent dehydration.
- Handle Laundry Safely: Wash contaminated clothing and linens with detergent and hot water, and dry on high heat. Use appropriate cleaners to wash contaminated laundry, look for cleansers that say they kill Norovirus
- To help prevent transmission, everyone should practice good hand hygiene by washing with soap and water frequently. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against norovirus.
For more information visit CDC Norovirus Guide
Your health and safety are our top priorities. If you need further assistance, contact Johns Hopkins University Student Health & Well-Being – https://wellbeing.jhu.edu/PrimaryCare/
Flu Student Vaccination Compliance
All eligible Johns Hopkins University students who will be working or studying at a U.S.-based university campus or work site are required to have the Flu vaccine by November 15, 2024.
JHU students who are 100% remote
Students who never come to any Johns Hopkins facility or conduct business publicly on Johns Hopkins’ behalf—are not required to have the vaccines (although it is recommended).
Consequences of non-compliance
Students who have not uploaded documentation that they have been fully vaccinated or filed a request for an exception are subject to progressive enforcement measures, including but not limited to:
SIS course registration holds will be placed after the November 15th, 2024 deadline.
All Students & Learners (Except School of Nursing) must provide proof of receiving the vaccine and upload it to MyHealth Portal – School of Nursing Students to continue uploading to VMS.jh.edu
Students not on campus Fall 2024
Students not coming on campus for Fall 2024 and are unable to submit vaccine documentation prior to coming to campus in spring should notify [email protected] immediately if they receive a non-compliance email reminder.
Spring 2025 compliance deadlines
Students who were not on-campus during the Fall 2024 semester/incoming new students joining in Spring 2025 will have the SIS Hold placed for noncompliance start of February 2025.
Pending the workload of incoming submissions and any holidays, PnC approvals and SIS holds removal may take time. Please submit timely.
COVID Information
How can I get a free at-home COVID test kit?
We have free COVID tests available at our 3 primary care clinic locations, in addition you can get free tests through the following resources:
Baltimore City Health Department Guide
Get 4 free tests delivered home – Federal government program
CDC guide – Search for no-cost COVID-19 Testing near you.
Should you be tested?
If you are feeling unwell and have some symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please obtain a home antigen test.
Symptoms include:
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- runny nose or congestion
- muscle aches
- fatigue
- diarrhea or vomiting
- headache
- unexplained loss of sense of taste or smell
If you have recently tested positive for COVID, please read instructions below:
If you need medical care, SHWB- Primary Care can provide nurse triage and telemedicine visits to students who are sick.
Clinical students and those who Work or Study within the health care system
If you test positive for COVID, you can return to classes/clinical activities 5 days after the COVID + test (if symptomatically improving and afebrile), and then wear a mask for another 5 days.
COVID Testing & Isolation Guide Non-Clinical Students Only.
How to self-isolate if you are COVID positive
You should stay home and separate from others in your living accommodation as much as possible. Additionally, you should:
- Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others and when in public.
- Use a separate bathroom if possible.
- Avoid traveling.
- Avoid sharing personal items, like towels.
- Increase rest, good nutrition, and fluids.
- If you have severe symptoms, like trouble breathing, seek immediate emergency medical care.
When can I end my Isolation?
- You can resume normal activities once your symptoms are improving and you’ve been fever-free—without the aid of fever-reducing medications—for at least 24 hours.
- For the five days after you resume your normal activities, you should take extra precautions:
- Wearing a well-fitting mask and maintaining distance from others
- Gathering outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
- Cleaning hands and high-touch surfaces often
- Testing when possible before gathering with others
- Avoid being around immunocompromised people
- If symptoms or fever return, you should start back at square one: staying home and away from others until you’ve been improving and fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Additional information regarding isolation & a calculator to help you determine your isolation period can be found on the CDC webpage.