If You Are Infected Or Exposed to COVID-19 or Flu

What should I do if...

I have a positive COVID-19/FLU test?

• Stay home and isolate from others until you no longer have a fever (without medication) for 24 hours AND symptoms are improving.
• Students should not return to class until they do not have a fever for 24 hours without the assistance of medication.
• Continue masking and social distancing for 5 days to reduce risk of spreading the virus.
• If your symptoms become unmanageable contact Student Health to schedule an appointment.
• Contact 911 if you experience any of the following:
  • 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

I have COVID-19/FLU symptoms?

• Take a test within 24 hours. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, and hand hygiene.
• Continue to stay home until symptoms improve or you have no fever for 24 hours with the aid of medication. Retest in 48 hours if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Positive test result: See positive test instructions.
• Wear a well-fitting, high-filtration face mask around others while you have symptoms, even if you test negative.

Students no longer need to report positive COVID results or exposures. Please check with your individual department for any program specific requirements.

I was exposed to COVID-19/FLU?

• Take a test 5 days from last exposure. If you test positive on day 5, follow the "positive test" directions.
• If you have no symptoms, you can otherwise continue normal activity.
• If you have symptoms, stay home and take a home test, or schedule a test within 24 hours

NOTE: If you have severe or worsening COVID symptoms, please speak with a medical professional. Students can schedule an appointment at Student Health by calling 215.220.4700 (if calling after work hours, select option five (5) to speak with an on-call doctor). If you have questions about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s coronavirus website for additional information.

Similarities and Differences Between the Flu and COVID-19

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptoms are the same. Talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for both flu and COVID-19 if you have symptoms.

For additional information, view the Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot [PDF] or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Vaccination and Boosters

Drexel and the CDC strongly recommend full COVID vaccination and booster shots, including the bivalent booster, for all students and employees who are eligible. Note that students enrolled in health care-related programs and employees of certain colleges or schools may be required to have up-to-date COVID vaccinations. Students working on co-ops in health care environments or in clinical setting may also have the same requirements. Review Drexel's other vaccination requirements.

Drexel students can sign up for their vaccination or booster shots through Student Health (call 215.220.4700). Learn more about staying up to date with COVID vaccination and boosters.

Masks and Other Guidelines

Visit the CDC website to view the most up-to-date masking guidelines.

Drexel continues to follow CDC and OSHA guidelines to ensure that all spaces on campus are as safe as possible. If you have questions about any facilities safety or concerns about a specific work space/classroom, please speak to your building manager and/or department manager. Departmental concerns should be brought to the attention of EHRS so that spaces of concern can be verified/evaluated as needed.

Planning events during times of regional increases in COVID-19 transmission should be done with careful attention to COVID safety, including ventilation in the planned location. Events can include Drexel students, employees, and outside guests considered to be visitors to campus. Event hosts who are employees should work with Event Services for reservations and setups. Students should work with Student Life.

Information for Faculty and Professional Staff

For information on how to care for yourself or someone else who is sick, visit the CDC COVID-19 website.