UMass Boston

Individuals with COVID-19 may experience a diverse range of symptoms - ranging from mild to severe. These symptoms may emerge within 2-14 days following exposure to the virus. 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 does not include all possible symptoms. Symptoms may evolve in response to new variants and may differ based on vaccination status.

The CDC will consistently update the list as the understanding of COVID-19 progresses.

If you are feeling sick, we encourage getting tested for COVID-19.

Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19:

• 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)

If someone is showing any of these signs, call 911 or call ahead to a local emergency facility. 

Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. 

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

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests
• Antigen tests

PCR Tests

PCR tests are the "gold standard" for COVID-19 tests. They are a type of nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which is more likely to detect the virus than antigen tests. Your sample will usually be taken by a healthcare provider and transported to a laboratory for testing. It may take up to 3 days to receive results.

Antigen Tests

Antigen tests are rapid tests that usually produce results in 15-30 minutes. Positive results are very accurate and reliable - but antigen tests are less likely to detect the virus than PCR tests. A single negative antigen test cannot rule out infection.

To be confident you do not have COVID-19, the FDA recommends 2 negative antigen tests for individuals with symptoms or 3 antigen tests for those without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart. '

COVID-19 Testing | CDC

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

If you have symptoms:

Test immediately:

• A PCR test will provide a more reliable negative test result.
• If you use an antigen test, a positive test is reliable. A negative test is not always accurate.
• If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can.

If you do not have symptoms but have been exposed:

Wait at least 5 full days after exposure:

• A PCR test will provide a more reliable negative test result.
• If you use an antigen test, a positive test is reliable. A negative test is not always accurate.
• If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can.
• If your second antigen test is also negative, wait another 48 hours and test a third time.

Updated Guidance:

Recent evidence indicates that COVID tests may not turn positive until days 4-5 of symptoms. If your initial test is negative, it is recommended to repeat testing. Read more from Med Page Today.

If you have not had COVID-19 or not had a positive test within the past 90 days:

• You may use a PCR or antigen test.
  • If you use an antigen test and your result is negative, repeat testing following FDA recommendations.

If you tested positive in the last 90 days and have symptoms:

• Use an antigen test. Repeat negative tests following FDA recommendations.

After a positive result, individuals 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. Reinfections can occur within 90 days, which can make it hard to know if a positive test indicates a new infection. Consider meeting with a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your circumstances. 

On-Campus Pickup

University Health Services offers a limited number of COVID-19 at-home antigen tests in the UHS Lobby (Quinn Administration Building, 2nd Floor).

Order Free At-Home Tests

Four free at-home COVID-19 tests are available for U.S. households through the federal government at covid.gov/tests.

Buy Self-Tests

You can purchase kits online or in pharmacies and retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. Visit the FDA's website for a list of authorized tests. 

Visit a Testing Location

• Search here for Testing Locations.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.

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