Care for Viral Illnesses

For mild symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, runny nose, loss of taste/smell:

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and aches; ibuprofen is another option for COVID if acetaminophen isn't enough

• Stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without medicine, and other symptoms are improving

• Should improve within a few days to two weeks

Call to make an appointment with UHS if:

• Fever lasts more than 5 days or symptoms aren't improving after a week

• Symptoms persist for weeks after the initial illness

• You test positive and are in a higher-risk group

• You are in a higher-risk groups on campus (age 65+ or 75+ for COVID treatment threshold, have asthma/lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, sickle cell disease, or a weakened immune system)

Seek care right away for:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

• Chest or stomach pain/pressure

• Signs of dehydration (dizziness when standing, not urinating)

• Confusion

• Can't stop vomiting or can't keep fluids down

• Low oxygen levels or bluish lips/face

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Wash hands afterward

• Don't share towels, cups/water bottles, or utensils with someone who is sick

• Clean frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, phones, light switches) if someone around you is sick

• Get recommended vaccines

• Avoid large gatherings when flu or COVID cases are high on campus

• Stay home/in your dorm and away from others as much as possible while sick

This is general guidance, not a substitute for medical advice. When in doubt, call UHS.