COVID-19 infection most often results in respiratory symptoms like the common cold, flu or pneumonia might produce. Some people do become severely ill, however.
Practice the following to avoid contracting or transmitting COVID-19:
Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines:
- CDC recommends a booster for anyone who has not had the newest bivalent booster to protect against the newest variants. Click here for more on current vaccine recommendations.
- Vaccines are available at most pharmacies. Use the vaccine finder to find one convenient for you.
Get plenty of fresh air.
- When possible, gather in large groups outside rather than inside.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, stay home, mask up and get tested.
- Click here for a list of some common symptoms of COVID-19.
- Call UHS at 423-425-2266 for an appointment to get tested Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Testing is also available at local urgent-cares, walk-in clinics or can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies.
If you have been exposed, wear a mask around others and test if you develop symptoms.
Follow the CDC isolation guidelines if you do test positive for COVID-19.
- Stay home and complete your isolation away from others.
- Students should submit documentation of isolation recommendations to the Office of Student Outreach and Support (SOS) via the Absence Notification Form to request that absence notifications are sent to faculty. Employees should contact their supervisor if they need to miss work due to isolation recommendations.
- If you test positive at home and need documentation as a student or employee, call UHS at 423-425-2266 to schedule an appointment for a confirmatory test.
See University Health Service’s COVID-19 FAQ here.