A new virus has made its way from China to the United States.  There have been cases confirmed in Los Angeles and Orange County, as well as other states.

It is a previously unencountered Coronavirus, a virus causing respiratory disease that can be severe. The illness caused by this Coronavirus is a greater threat to infants and people with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.

The symptoms are mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, or shortness of breath.  In a campus email sent by Lauren Ash, a health educator with CSU Bakersfield Student Health Services, wrote,  “If you have symptoms of the flu and have concerns regarding management issues, please call Melissa Lozano, RN for consultation rather than presenting in-person to Student Health Services.”

In order to help prevent the spread of any virus, Ash also suggests preventative measures such as washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, talking to your health provider about vaccination for the flu, and staying home if you have any symptoms.

If any students, staff, or faculty are having flu-like symptoms, such as fever, they are encouraged to stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever has passed.  Student Health Services also encourages everyone on campus to receive vaccination against flu, available for $25 at the Health Care Center,  in order to prevent the spread of influenza.

When asked if she could stay home and miss class if she had the flu, Sydney Roman, a junior, said, “I can’t miss any school.  It’s a hard thing because what if you don’t have it and you’ve missed all this time.”

Students Andrea Mata and Trevor Hughes said they would see a doctor before deciding if it was safe to go to school.