UMass Boston

COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely, usually appearing 2-14 days after exposure. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Possible symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea 

This list is not exhaustive and may change as new variants emerge. If you feel sick, consider getting tested for COVID-19.

Feeling Sick? Scroll Down to "Isolation and Exposure Guidance."

If someone is showing any of the below symptoms, call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds (depending on skin tone)

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

The CDC recommends the actions below to help lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission and lower the risk of severe illness if you get sick. Read more from the CDC here.

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Take steps for cleaner air. 
• Use precautions to prevent spread if you feel sick, including staying home and away from others if you have respiratory symptoms.
• Seek healthcare promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness. 

COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others. See more from at Testing for COVID-19 | CDC.

On Campus

Limited quantities of self-tests are available at the following locations:  

• Students: UHS General Medicine Front Desk (Quinn Building, Floor 2)
• On-Campus Residents: Office of Housing & Residence Life Front Desk (East Residence Hall, Floor 1)
• Staff/Faculty: Human Resources (Quinn Building, Floor 3)
  
  

Off-Campus

• Purchase tests at pharmacies, retail stores, or online.
• Health insurance may reimburse self-test costs.
• Find free testing options using the No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator.
• Free at-home test orders from USPS order form.

Tip: Check the FDA for extended expiration dates before discarding expired tests. 

Use precautions to prevent spread, including staying home and away from others if you have respiratory symptoms. Respiratory symptoms may still spread even if you're feeling better. 

See here for CDC Recommendations if you are feeling sick.

Take Care of Yourself!

• Rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter remedies.
• For severe symptoms (e.g., breathing difficulty), call 911. 

Medical Support

• COVID tests and masks are available on campus (see section above).
• Need non-urgent medical care? Book a telehealth appointment!
• Interested in Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment option for COVID-19? 
  • Book a telehealth appointment at UHS
  • Access treatment through the state
    
    

Isolation

Follow the most up-to-date recommendations from the CDC, which you can review here. 

• Isolate for at least 5 days from when you began feeling sick.
• Athletes: Contact your coach or trainer for further guidance. 
• Nursing or EHS Clinical Students: Contact your instructor for further guidance.
  
  

Returning to Normal Activities

Resume once fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and symptoms improve. 

Remember that you may still be able to spread the virus, even if you are feeling better. Please take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps when around other people indoors, including:

• Cleaner air
• Hygiene
• Masks
• Physical distancing
• Testing
  
  

Resources

• UMass Boston COVID-19 Policies
• UMass Boston Attendance Policy
• UHS General Medicine Clinic

Students testing positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to isolate off-campus, however, there are times when the only available option is for a student with COVID-19 to isolate in the same room as their healthy roommate.

In addition to the guidance in the section above, please see below for some tips to navigate isolation in place in your shared living space:

For Both Roommates:

• Wear high-quality masks when together.
• Increase air circulation with fans or air purifiers.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces at least daily.
• Use separate towels and avoid sharing dishes. 
• Arrange beds to make as much space between beds as possible.
•  

• If you share a bathroom, remember that sinks could be an infection source. 
• Each person should use their own hand or face towels.
• If you share a sleeping space, arrange beds to make as much space between beds as possible.
• Do not share dishes or cups.
• If you come in contact with shared surfaces or items, wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
• Do not invite guests to your room until the isolation period has ended.

Roommate with COVID-19

• Wear a mask when accessing common spaces, such as the restroom, hallway, or dining hall.
• If you live on-campus and have a dining plan, you can use the "grab-and-go" option for meals but do not eat in the Dining Common. 
• Contact UHS General Medicine at (617) 287-5660 for 24/7 medical guidance if you require additional treatment of your symptoms or contact your healthcare provider.

Roommate Who is Feeling Well

• You may still go to class and all activities.
• Minimize time spent in your room - take advantage of this time to discover new places on campus!
• Test often using rapid antigen test kits. The best time to take a test is 5 days after your initial exposure, but with continued exposure, you will want to be sure to test again 5 days after your roommate is no longer infectious.
• Follow the proper guidance if you develop symptoms.

Important Resources:

• UMass Boston COVID-19 Policies
• UMass Boston Attendance Policy
• UHS General Medicine Clinic
• For questions related to living in the Residence Halls with COVID, please email Housing@umb.edu. 

Everyone aged 6 months and older should get a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it's important to stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccine.

View More: Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC

• Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or community health center, or visit their website.
• Contact your state health department.
• Check your local pharmacy's website to see if vaccination appointments are available. Walk-in appointments may be available.