UMass Boston

COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UMass Boston has instituted many policies and procedures to maintain the safety of our campus. This situation continues to evolve and we will provide updates to the community on the COVID-19 Campus Update page. 

Choices Regarding Pregnancy

50% of pregnancies are unplanned. If you have a uterus and ovaries and are having sex with someone with a penis, you are at risk of getting pregnant. Pregnancy is a personal and private matter and you may want to keep it that way. If so, we offer information regarding how to keep research private, services on- and off-campus, ways to prevent pregnancy, options for decision-making, and resources. Coming soon!

Mpox (Monkeypox)

Mpox is an infectious disease spreading in the United States. It’s transmitted through close contact such as kissing or during sex and causes a rash on various parts of the body. You can learn more about mpox transmission, symptoms, treatment, vaccination for people at higher risk, and what to do if you may have been exposed by the CDC.

Party Drugs

Although alcohol remains the most frequently used drug in college settings, there are several other drugs that are used to intensify social experiences. Party drugs are created synthetically in labs, and one reason these drugs can have unexpected side effects during use is due to substitutions or contamination during formulation. You can learn more about relevant drugs and how to protect yourself. Coming soon!

Seasonal Influenza

Seasonal influenza (“flu”) is a very contagious viral disease that attacks the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads from an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or if there is contact with the infected person’s respiratory secretions.

The flu is different from a cold and often includes high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Vomiting, diarrhea, and/or “upset stomach” are not symptoms of seasonal influenza. Influenza can last several days and it can make you feel pretty miserable! The peak influenza season usually occurs January-February but flu season can start as early as October and last through May: therefore, there is plenty of time to get the vaccine.