Helping Protect Yourself, Our Campus, and Our Greater Community
Boise State is committed to doing all we can as a university to prevent and/or minimize the spread of communicable diseases and their consequences, as well as addressing public health concerns. Together we can support a safe working, learning, and living environment for ourselves, each other, and our community.
Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke is a seasonal health concern in the Boise area, even when fires are many miles away. Smoke contains fine particles (PM₂.₅) that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable. To reduce exposure, check the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) before spending time outdoors, limit outdoor exercise when air quality is poor, and keep windows and doors closed during smoky conditions. Create a cleaner indoor environment by running a portable HEPA air purifier or your home’s HVAC system with a high-efficiency (MERV 13 or higher, if compatible) filter on recirculate. If you must be outdoors during heavy smoke, wear a properly fitted N95 respirator to reduce inhalation of fine particles. Seek medical care if you experience persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or worsening symptoms of an existing heart or lung condition. Staying informed through the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Smoke Information Blog and the EPA’s AirNow website can help you make decisions that protect your health throughout wildfire season.
H5N1 or Avian Influenza
Avian Influenza has been detected in the Treasure Valley, affecting thousands of birds. It’s important to avoid contact with dead or sick wild birds, such as geese, and to avoid drinking raw milk to prevent the spread of this virus. Additionally, anyone raising poultry should carefully monitor their flocks for illness and avoid having them come into contact with wild birds. The combined COVID/Flu tests will detect H5N1 as influenza A, with samples from high-risk individuals sent to the Idaho Bureau of Labs for confirmation testing. Worried you may have been exposed? Please call Public Health at (208) 426-1523.
Vaccines and Self-Collected Testing
As of the Fall 2025 semester, the Public Health Office has discontinued their vaccination and self-collection services. On-campus services have been transitioned to University Health Services. For more information on the services they provide, please visit their website at https://www.boisestate.edu/healthservices/.