Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by germs (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) that enter the body, multiply, and can cause an infection. Some infectious diseases are contagious (or communicable), meaning they are capable of spreading from one person to another. Other infectious diseases can be spread by germs carried in air, water, food, or soil. They can also be spread by vectors (like biting insects) or by animals to humans. (CDC 2023)¹

The Public Health Program provides guidance and recommendations for the protection of students, faculty, and staff in the event of any suspected or confirmed cases of infectious disease on campus, and monitors disease trends that have the potential to appear on campus. Specific questions or concerns regarding infectious disease can be referred to the Public Health Program Manager . Please reach out to your primary care provider or the Student Health and Wellness Center if you are experiencing symptoms of an illness.

COVID-19

Please see the Campus COVID-19 Updates page for the most up to date information on UNT’s response to COVID-19. University health officials will continue to monitor community spread of the virus and can return to its expanded COVID-19 offerings for the entire university community if a need arises.

Vaccination: The best way to ensure your personal safety with regard to COVID-19 is to obtain a full course of vaccination, including eligible booster shots. Vaccinations have been found to drastically reduce the chance of experiencing severe impacts from COVID-19 and minimize transmission of the disease. Students can contact the Student Health and Wellness Center for COVID-19 vaccination. Faculty and staff can use the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder Map to locate primary series and booster vaccinations.

Testing: Students can contact the Student Health and Wellness Center for COVID-19 testing. Faculty and staff can contact their primary care provider for COVID-19 testing, or use the COVID-19 Testing Locator to find a testing location.

Return to School/Work: Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should follow current CDC guidelines for isolation and follow the treatment advice of their health care provider. Students, faculty, and staff should handle COVID-19-related absences the same way they handle any other health-related absence.

Flu

The best way to protect yourself and the campus community from the flu is to get an annual flu shot, recommended for everyone 6 months and older. If you are experiencing fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, muscle aches and headaches, contact your health care provider immediately, and take antivirals if prescribed. Follow the advice of your health care provider regarding when you can return to work or school. Cover your cough and sneeze, avoid people experiencing flu symptoms, stay home when you feel sick, and wash your hands often.

Students can contact the Student Health and Wellness Center for their annual flu shot. Faculty and staff can visit a local pharmacy for their annual flu shot. The CDC recommends getting your flu shot by the end of October each year. Vaccination after October can still provide protection during the peak of flu season.

Immunizations

The Student Health and Wellness Center offers various immunizations for students. Faculty and staff can receive immunizations through their primary care provider, pharmacy, or local health department.

Bacterial meningitis is the only required immunization for students, however the SHWC recommends that all students have current immunizations for COVID-19, tetanus, measles, mumps, diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, pertussis, polio, rubella, and varicella. For more information on required and recommended immunizations for students, please see the Student Health and Wellness Center website.

Mosquito Safety

Some mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes only need two tablespoons of water to breed, and water can collect just about anywhere. Each year, the City of Denton implements its Mosquito Surveillance and Response Plan. The main goal of mosquito control is to decrease the number of adult mosquitoes by eliminating breeding grounds wherever possible. Please visit the City of Denton Mosquito Safety page to view the current Risk Level and probability of human outbreak.