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Help...I feel sick! Is it a cold? The Flu? COVID-19?

How can I tell if it is COVID-19, the flu, or a cold?

 

If you are feeling any of these symptoms, the first step is to self-test with a COVID-19 antigen test. These can be found at a number of locations around campus, and also in the lobby of Dick's House. If your test is positive, please let our nurses know, and follow the campus isolation guidelines.

A negative test is reassuring, but you might still have a COVID-19 infection. It is good practice to take measures to avoid spreading your illness.

If you do not have COVID-19, you might be asking...

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A table from the CDC comparing attributes of the flu to a cold

It can sometimes be difficult to tell, but the chart above can help you decide. If you would like more guidance, you can always call the nurses at Dick's House at 603-646-9440.

WHAT DO I DO IF I THINK I HAVE THE FLU?

If you get sick with flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option, but they are not used for everyone.

Call the nursing line at 603-646-9440 promptly if you are at higher risk of serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms. People at higher risk of flu complications include young children, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant people, and people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

Most people with flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.

Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Wear a facemask if you have one, and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

Where can I get a FREE Flu shot on campus?

What to know about the Flu at Dartmouth

Still looking for more information about the flu? Here is the CDC page

BUT WAIT...WHAT DO I DO IF I THINK I HAVE A COLD?

Most people with a cold have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. The "common cold" is very common on campus, particularly in Fall and Winter terms. If you get sick with cold symptoms, in most cases, you should stay away from others as much as practical to keep from infecting them. Wear a facemask as much as possible, and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading your cold to others. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

 

COVID-19 and Flu vaccines available now!!

click here to find a shot today!