UMass Boston

COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely, 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
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• 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."

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:

• 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)

For any severe or concerning symptoms, contact your medical provider.

Viral tests look for a current infection with SARS-CoV-2 by testing specimens from your nose or mouth. There are two main types of viral tests:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests:

• "Gold standard" for COVID-19 tests.
• A sample is normally taken by a healthcare provider and transported to a laboratory for testing. This can be done with an appointment at UHS!
• May take up to 3 days to receive results. 

Antigen Tests: 

• Rapid tests usually produce results in 15-30 minutes.
• Self-tests (or at-home tests) can be taken anywhere without having to go to a specific testing site. Read self-test package inserts thoroughly and follow instructions closely when performing the test.
• Positive results are accurate and reliable, although they are less likely to detect the virus than PCR tests (especially when asymptomatic). 
  • 1 negative antigen test cannot rule out infection. The FDA recommends 2 negative antigen tests for individuals with symptoms or 3 antigen tests for those without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart. 

Resources:

• Choosing a COVID-19 Test | CDC

If No Positive Test Within 90 Days:

• Choose a PCR or antigen test.
  • If you use an antigen test and it's negative, repeat testing following FDA recommendations.

If Tested Positive in Last 90 Days:

• If First Positive Test Result Within <30 Days:
  • Symptomatic: Use antigen test. Repeat negative tests following FDA recommendations.
  • Asymptomatic: Testing is not recommended.
    
    
• If First Positive Test Result Was Within 31-90 Days:
  • Use antigen test. Repeat negative tests following FDA recommendations.

After a positive test result, you may continue to test positive for some time. Some tests, especially PCR tests, may continue to show a positive result for up to 90 days. Please note that reinfections can occur within 90 days. 

On-Campus:

• Limited at-home antigen tests are available at UHS General Medicine Front Desk (Quinn Administration Building, 2nd Floor). 

Off-Campus:

• Purchase self-tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores.
  • If you have health insurance, it may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests.
• Visit a testing location.
  • Search Local Testing Locations

Before throwing out expired tests, make sure to check the FDA for extended expiration dates. 

• Self-isolate. Do not leave home unless seeking medical care or testing. Avoid others in your residence. Disinfect surfaces regularly.
• Get tested immediately. Testing too early with a rapid antigen test can produce a false negative. If you test negative on a rapid antigen, continue to isolate and mask, and test again 36-48 hours later.
• Mask with a properly fitted, non-cloth mask. 

• Mask around others with a properly fit, non-cloth mask for 10 days.
• Get tested on day 5 after exposure (the date of last exposure is day 0). 
• Self-monitor. Check for fever and respiratory symptoms.

• Isolate for at least 5 days since symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medications and once symptoms have improved. 
  • If asymptomatic, isolate for 5 days from the date of the test.
• Immediately notify individuals with whom you had close contact in the 48 hours before receiving your positive test result or symptom onset and ask them to follow proper guidance.
• Mask for a full 10 days with a properly fitted non-cloth mask, even if you have ended isolation after 5 days. 
• 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.

Students who test 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. 

Here are some tips to help you navigate isolation-in-place in your shared living space.

Both Roommates

• Mask with a high-quality mask when you are in the room together.
• Use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the room. Air purifiers may also be used.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (especially tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, faucets and handles, smartphones, laptops, remote controls, etc.). 
• 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.
• Follow the guidance for ending isolation (see "If You Test Positive" tab).
• 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!
• Wear a mask around others and take precautions until 10 days after your roommate's isolation ends.
• 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.

Everyone aged 5 and older should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.

If you recently had COVID-19, you still need to stay up to date with your vaccines, but you may consider delaying your vaccine by 3 months. 

Additional Resources

• Stay Up to Date with Vaccines | CDC

University Health Services offers COVID-19 vaccines to all students of UMass Boston.

Instructions to Web-Book:

1. Log in to My Health Beacon Portal.
2. Select "Schedule an Appointment" on the portal home screen.
3. Select "Immunization Clinic" and select the desired immunization. 

Please call the Immunization Clinic at 617-287-5661 to check the availability of COVID-19 vaccines.

• Use the Vaccine Finder, text your zip code to 438-829, or call 1-800-232-0233.
• 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.