Updates and Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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COVID-19: What To Do If You Are Sick


COVID-19 Symptoms

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms. Some people infected with COVID-19 experience no symptoms. Others may have symptoms ranging from mild to severe or even emergent illness.  Anyone can potentially develop mild to severe or emergent symptoms. The same symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection can also be seen with other illnesses.

When occurring, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms* may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • 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 COVID-19 symptoms.


At Home Care Measures

There are things you can do to manage mild symptoms at home*.

  1. Be sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
  2. You may use over-the-counter fever and cough and cold medications to help but first, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to make sure you are using the right ones and that they are safe for you.
  3. Stay home except to get medical care or basic necessities that cannot be delivered to you.
  4. Students can submit a Health & Illness Support Form to have their instructors notified of their absence. Faculty & staff should work with their healthcare providers and supervisors to determine isolation duration and working arrangements.
  5. Get tested.
  6. Separate yourself from other people as much as possible.
  7. Monitor your symptoms and if they are becoming severe or not responding to home care, contact your healthcare provider.
  8. Always call ahead before visiting your doctor.
  9. When around others, wear a mask over your nose and mouth.
  10. Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  11. Clean your hands often.
  12. Avoid sharing personal household items.
  13. Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day.

*To view more detailed information about managing your illness, click here to go to information on the CDC’s website.

***Remember, if you are sick, please stay in, avoid being around others as much as possible, and contact your health care provider for any symptoms that are worsening, moderate to severe, or concerning to you. Student Health Center contact information is noted at the bottom of this page.***


When To Seek Healthcare

Those with mild to moderate symptoms who have risk factors for developing severe disease and hospitalization may be candidates for outpatient therapy.

Those experiencing moderate to severe symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for additional guidance:

  • Students are encouraged to contact the SHC by calling the Telephone Triage Nurse at (865) 974-5080.
  • Employees should contact their private healthcare provider by calling their office.

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

Those with any emergency warning signs for COVID-19 should seek immediate emergency medical care. Emergency warning signs** may include:

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face

**This list is not all possible emergency warning signs.

Those experiencing emergency warning signs of infection should seek further evaluation and care through the nearest Emergency Room. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Student Health Center
Division of Student Life

1800 Volunteer Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37996-3102
Phone: 865-974-3135