Vincennes University is seeing a spike in respiratory illness.

In an email sent out this week to faculty, healthcare providers with the the Vincennes University Primary Care Center warned of a rise in both influenza (flu) and COVID-19 cases on campus.

Flu symptoms reported by the Primary Care Center include a fever of 101 or higher, body aches, chills, cough, headache, and, occasionally, a sore throat.

On the other hand, COVID-19 symptoms often involve head or sinus congestion, headache, sore throat, low-grade fever, and cough, campus healthcare providers say.

And the rise in cases is not limited to the VU campus.

Indiana as a whole is also seeing a surge in both flu and COVID-19. According to the Indiana Department of Health, flu activity is currently at very high levels, with a growing number of reported cases coming from emergency departments and urgent care centers.

Flu season typically begins in October and can last through May, according to the DOH, making the resurgence of cases in February not uncommon. While COVID-19 cases are also on the rise, the increase has been less severe than that of the flu, the DOH website reports.

The VU Primary Care Center offered several recommendations to help prevent the spread of both the flu and COVID-19 viruses. These include frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, wearing masks, and covering coughs or sneezes.

If you become ill, healthcare providers advise staying home whenever possible. If you must go out, wearing a mask is recommended.

For students and faculty, the Primary Care Center continues to provide both flu and COVID-19 testing.