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Norovirus (stomach flu) is caused by a group of viruses called Noroviruses. These viruses are found globally and commonly cause outbreaks in schools, childcare centres and residential facilities.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that can occur at any age. It is very serious in babies and young children, especially for those who are too young to be fully immunized. 

A health-care provider can take a swab from the back of the nose, or a blood test may be done to help confirm the diagnosis. Whooping cough can be treated with an antibiotic, and if treated soon enough, the antibiotic may prevent the spread of the germ to other people and decrease the severity of the disease. 

The most effective way to prevent the spread of whooping cough is through vaccination. 

Be informed about your immunization status. Contact local public health offices or healthcare providers in your province or country to check your immunization records, including when you last received a pertussis vaccine. If you are from NB, this is available through the . More details can also be found in the . 

Publicly funded vaccinations are available through Public Health for eligible individuals. Appointments are available in Sackville: . 

You can also contact your family doctor for information. 

We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves, and you can find more information on our campus updates page at Campus Updates. 

According to Health Canada, the seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the virus. Read more about seasonal influenza (flu) from the . The following local pharmacies offer vaccinations for influenza and COVID-19:  

• : (506) 536-2255, 106 Main St. 
• : (506) 536-0230, 93 Main St. 

Further details on flu shots will be shared in the fall term. The registered nurse/educator can provide you with information on immunizations, including recommended vaccinations and how to access them. Email wellness@mta.ca

The following local pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccinations or visit the . 

• Guardian drug store: (506) 536-2255, 106 Main St. 
• Jean Coutu pharmacy: (506) 536-0230, 93 Main St. 

Information on COVID-19 Rapid Tests  

In New Brunswick, distribution of rapid point of care tests to the general public ended on June 30, 2024. Additional rapid tests are available for purchase online or at your local pharmacy.  

Mount Allison is a mask-friendly campus and supports everyone who wishes to wear one in any situation.

Questions? Email wellness@mta.ca

The flu and COVID-19 can have similar symptoms. If you start to develop any of the symptoms below, and stay home if you are feeling unwell. 

• Sore throat  
• Stuffy or runny nose 
• Sneezing 
• High fever 
• muscle or body aches  
• Fatigue or weakness 
• Headaches 

Information on COVID-19 Rapid Tests  

In New Brunswick, distribution of rapid point of care tests to the general public ended on June 30, 2024. Additional rapid tests are available for purchase online or at your local pharmacy.  

Whooping Cough (pertussis)

Whooping cough starts like a cold with sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and mild cough. Over the next week or two, the cough gets worse leading to serious coughing spells that often (but not always) end with a “whoop”.  

Take these simple steps to prevent the flu: 

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly 
• Keep your hands away from your face 
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that you touch frequently 
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not your hand 

Mount Allison follows ventilation standards based on the guidelines published by the leading HVAC authority, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Numerous improvements have been made to ventilation and air quality in buildings around campus and we continue to monitor and make adjustments as required.  

These updates include:  

• Increasing mechanical ventilation system filters to higher efficiency ratings. We will continue to use higher efficiency filters moving forward. 
• Enhanced maintenance and inspection of ventilation systems.
• Adding air purifying HEPA filtration units to gathering spaces in older buildings that do not have mechanical ventilation.  

CO2 Monitors 

As per guidelines set out but ASHRAE, although CO2 monitors can be a useful tool, they do not provide an accurate assessment of indoor air quality and are not a good measure of viral transmission. More details can be found in .  

Mount Allison does not advise the installation of any appliances that are not CSA approved. If you have questions about air quality or are looking for guidance for air purifying in your space, please contact Facilities Management at fixit@mta.ca.