COVID-19

Last Updated: March 5, 2024

UNH is adopting the new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations regarding COVID-19. COVID-19 will be treated with the same precautions as flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and other respiratory illnesses.

Updated CDC COVID-19 care recommendations:

  • There will no longer be a mandatory isolation period.
  • Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and their symptoms are improving.
  • Additionally, masking is recommended for 5 days when you return to normal activities.

It is recommended that you DO NOT attend classes/work/social activities until you are fever free, without the use of medication, for 24 hrs.

Health & Wellness does not require students to be seen with upper respiratory symptoms as self-care is the best way to care for oneself.

For faculty, staff, and employers: Medical notes should not be required from sick students. We encourage you to work with them for missed classes due to illness.

If your symptoms require evaluation, call 603-862-9355 to speak to a nurse or make an appointment by calling or visiting our website at Appointments | Health & Wellness (unh.edu).

Prevent the Spread of COVID and Other Respiratory Infections:

  • Stay up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV, if eligible.
  • Practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
  • Take steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests

Health & Wellness no longer provides free COVID-19 rapid tests.

Every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.

Places near UNH where you can purchase rapid COVID test:

Access to COVID-19 Vaccine

Please Note:  The federal government is no longer providing the COVID-19 vaccine.

Here are places the COVID-19 vaccine is available near UNH.

Everyone ages 5 years and older is recommended to receive 1 dose of updated (2023–­2024 Formula) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

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What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • 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. Read more about COVID-19 Symptoms here.

What do I do if I think I have symptoms of COVID-19?

If you have symptoms (sore throat, cough, congestion, fever over 100.4F), go to Health & Wellness for evaluation. Additionally, wear a mask and please stay home from work or class if you’re feeling sick.

 

What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19? Do I have to isolate?

If you test positive, you are no longer required to isolate per updated CDC recommendations.

  • Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and their symptoms are improving.
  • Additionally, masking is recommended for 5 days when you return to normal activities.

 

If you have been vaccinated and/or received a booster, please let us know by uploading proof of your vaccination here. 

Do you offer the vaccine/boosters at Health & Wellness?

Please Note:  The federal government is no longer providing the COVID-19 vaccine.

Health & Wellness does not provide the COVID-19 vaccine/boosters.

Where else can I get my COVID-19 vaccine/booster?

To search other locations, visit vaccines.gov. 

Who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and/or booster?

The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent is authorized for use as single booster dose in individuals 6 years of age and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 5 years of age and older. 

You are eligible as long as it has been at least 2 months since your previous dose. 

If I've gotten a booster, should I re-upload or update my vaccination information on MyHealth&Wellness?

If it was obtained outside of Health & Wellness, then yes, you should update your vaccination record and upload your card in the MyHealth&Wellness portal. If it was obtained at Health & Wellness, we will update your records. 

What if I lost my vaccination card?

If you’ve lost your card or don’t have a copy and were vaccinated in NH, visit this website to find contact information for the state in which you received your vaccination.

If you have previously submitted your vaccine card to Health & Wellness, you may contact us for assistance.

You could also contact your state or local health department’s immunization information system (IIS) for assistance.

If I'm fully vaccinated and have also had a COVID-19 breakthrough infection recently, can I still get a booster dose? 

Yes, as long as you have completed your full isolation period, you are without fever, and your symptoms have improved.

Can I get vaccinated if I’m currently sick with COVID-19?

No. You should wait until you have fully recovered and are no longer in isolation. This also applies if you’ve already had your first dose of the vaccine.

Can I safely get the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time?

Yes. The COVID vaccine is authorized to be given at the same time (or in the same time frame) as the flu vaccine. 

If I’ve already had COVID-19, won't I have natural immunity? Do I still need to get vaccinated and boosted?

Yes, it is highly recommended. It is possible to get re-infected with COVID-19 after you’ve already had it.

The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 infection or re-infection is to get vaccinated and boosted.

Are there side effects I should worry about? Could the vaccine give me COVID?

Vaccination will not give you COVID, since none of the vaccines carry live virus.

You may experience some side effects. These are normal signs that your body is building protection. “The most common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. In addition, you may have fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Learn more about what to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.” (CDC)

It is important to know that it is possible to get COVID-19 soon after you’ve been vaccinated or boosted because it takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity. This means that it’s especially important to keep following public health guidelines while you are in between doses of the vaccine and after 2 weeks have passed since your second dose and booster dose.

What does it mean to be fully vaccinated? What about "up-to-date"? 

You are considered "up-to-date" if you have received the most recent booster dose recommended for you by CDC.

Can people who are fully vaccinated still get and/or spread COVID-19?

People who have been vaccinated are much less likely to get sick, though all vaccines carry the possibility of breakthrough cases (see definition in Glossary section below). The risk of severe illness and death decreases significantly with vaccination and boosters. 

 

What do I need to know about variants? 

  • New variants of the virus are expected to occur.
  • Getting a vaccine reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting a booster when eligible, further improves your protection.

Are masks still effective? What kind should I wear?

Correct and consistent mask use is a still critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19, especially if you are sick with COVID-19 or within 10 days of becoming symptomatic/testing positive. When choosing a mask, look at how well it fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has.

How does COVID-19 spread?

“COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.” Asymptomatic people who are infected but do not show symptoms are able to spread the virus to others. (CDC)

Can I get re-infected with COVID-19 if I’ve already had it?

Yes, especially with the emergence of new variants of COVID-19. (CDC) 

What are the most important steps I can take to prevent the spread of illness?

Everyone can do their part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

  1. Get vaccinated. It is the best way to prevent serious illness to you personally, and helps to reduce transmission of COVID-19.
  2. Stay home when you experience symptoms (coughing, runny nose, sore throat, fever, etc.).
  3. Wash your hands! Scrub for 20 seconds. Regular soap and water are best, and hand sanitizer is a good alternative.
  4. Wear a mask:
    • Recommended for 5 days when you return to normal activities after testing positive for COVID-19 and are l fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and symptoms are improving.
    • If you are experiencing symptoms.
    • If the sign at the door says "Mask Required." Follow the rules of the space you're entering.
    • If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, even if optional.