Your COVID-19 test is positive. Most people recover at home with rest, fluids, and symptom relief.
Take Care of Yourself
- Rest and stay hydrated with water, tea, broth, or electrolyte drinks.
- For fever, headache, or body aches: Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or Advil®/Motrin® (ibuprofen) as directed.
- For congestion: saline nasal spray, Sudafed® (pseudoephedrine), steam from a warm shower, or a humidifier.
- For cough: Mucinex® (guaifenesin), cough drops, warm fluids, and humidified air may help.
- For sore throat: throat lozenges, warm liquids, or salt-water gargles.
Prevent the Spread
Stay home while sick and avoid contact with others. Communicate with your professor to inform them that you are sick and cannot join class to make other alternatives. You may return to normal activities when:
- Symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours, and
- You have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
For the next 5 days:
- Wear a mask around others
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Improve ventilation when possible
- Avoid close contact with people at higher risk for severe illness
Call an Advice Nurse If:
- You have questions about symptom management.
- You are unsure when to return to normal activities.
- Your symptoms are not improving as expected.
- You are unsure if you need an appointment.
Student Health Advice Nurse: 530-752-2349
Schedule a Provider Appointment If:
- Your symptoms are worsening.
- You have a chronic medical condition that is getting worse.
- You feel you need medical evaluation or treatment.
Student Health Appointments: 530-752-2349
Get Emergency Care Immediately If You Have:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Most students recover with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter symptom care. If you are unsure what type of care you need, start by calling the Advice Nurse.