Southern is committed to protecting the members of its community from exposure to communicable diseases. The university’s position is that practicing universal contamination precaution—washing hands frequently, especially after coughing and sneezing, avoiding intravenous drug use, and abstaining from sexual relations outside of marriage—are the most effective ways to avoid exposure to communicable diseases.
The following is a list and description of some of the more common communicable diseases. This list should not be considered exhaustive:
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, tiredness, and a loss of taste and/or smell. Less common symptoms are sore throat, headache, general aches and pains, diarrhea, rash, and red or irritated eyes. Southern requires students who are experiencing any one of these symptoms to call the University Health Center (UHC) at 423.236.2713 for a consultation. Students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate themselves through the UHC. Close contact with someone who is positive for the virus may result in a quarantine of a period of time consistent with current CDC guidelines. Failure to abide by Southern’s isolation and quarantine policy may result in long-term suspension. You are encouraged, but not required, to obtain a COVID vaccination.
Influenza is a communicable disease that has symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. While most people who get influenza recover, some individuals will develop life-threatening complications such as pneumonia. The University Health Center offers flu vaccinations during the fall of each year. You are encouraged, but not required, to obtain a flu vaccination.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella are acute, highly contagious viral diseases which can be transmitted through casual contact. Southern adheres to the Tennessee state regulations requiring proof of two vaccinations or immunity before you begin classes.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that spreads through the air. The general symptoms include feeling sick or weak, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Other symptoms of TB of the lungs include coughing with or without bloody sputum and chest pain. The University Health Center has all new incoming students complete a TB risk questionnaire. Based on the results of the questionnaire, further testing may be needed to rule out current or past TB exposure.
Viral Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver condition caused by a group of related viruses. Three types are most common: Type A, milder than the others and self-limiting, contracted from exposure to contaminated food or water; types B and C, both contracted from either blood exposure or sexual contact and causing a more severe, chronic condition than type A. Symptoms are generally flu-like initially, and can progress to abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin.
Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the tissues covering the spinal cord and brain. While it has multiple potential causes, one of the most dangerous is infection from bacteria. Some types of bacterial meningitis are highly contagious. Common bacteria can be transmitted through the spread of respiratory emissions during coughing, kissing, sneezing, or even sharing a water bottle. Common symptoms include headache, profound neck stiffness, fever, sensitivity to light and sound, confusion, and an altered level of consciousness. Immediate emergency medical care is imperative, and immunization is recommended for adolescents/young adults, especially if living in a
group-housing environment.
HIV/AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a blood-borne disease caused by a virus known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus attacks and destroys the body’s immune system. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of contaminated bodily fluids such as blood, semen or vaginal secretions. The primary methods of transmission from one individual to another include intimate sexual contact and the sharing of syringes and other drug equipment that has come in contact with contaminated blood products. Because the virus is fragile, it cannot remain infectious for prolonged periods outside the body. It does not appear to be transmitted by casual contact, i.e. via drinking cups, eating utensils, water fountains, toilet seats, or even exposure to tears or saliva.
Should you suspect you have a communicable disease, you should immediately contact your health care provider or the University Health Center to initiate treatment and precautionary measures to prevent transmission to others.