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Short answer The current CDC approach The 5 days of extra care after you return How do I protect my roommate? What about exams, sports and work? How long it lasts When should I go to urgent care or the ER? Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesReturn to class when your symptoms are improving overall and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.
After you return, use added precautions for the next 5 days, such as a mask, more space and good hand washing, because you can still spread the virus.
The current CDC approach
The CDC no longer tells people to isolate for a fixed number of days. Instead, it says you can resume normal activities once your symptoms have been getting better for at least a day overall and you have been fever-free for 24 hours without using a fever-reducing medicine. If symptoms bounce back or you get a new fever, go back to staying home and use the same rule again.
The 5 days of extra care after you return
- Wear a well-fitting mask around others, especially in class and on the bus
- Keep distance in shared spaces and avoid crowded events if you can
- Wash hands often and cover coughs
- Test again if you want extra reassurance before being around higher-risk people, since testing can help guide how long to take precautions
- Open windows or move outdoors when possible
How do I protect my roommate?
- Stay in your room and ask a friend to bring food
- Wear a mask in shared hallways and bathrooms
- Use your own dishes and towels
- Clean door handles, light switches and the microwave
- Tell your roommate, so they can watch for symptoms and test
What about exams, sports and work?
- Email professors as soon as you test positive and ask about a makeup exam or remote option
- Athletes should ask the trainer about return rules, since fatigue and breathing can lag behind a normal temperature
- Ask your employer about their own policy if you work on campus
How long it lasts
Most healthy young adults feel better within a week or two, though tiredness and cough can last longer. See how long COVID lasts.
When should I go to urgent care or the ER?
Trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, a stiff neck with fever, or being unable to keep fluids down are reasons to go to urgent care or the ER, or call 911. Call 911 if lips or face look blue or gray, or if you cannot stay awake. People with asthma, diabetes or a weakened immune system should call their clinic early about antiviral treatment.
If you are not sure what you have, our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health.
Common questions from students
How long am I contagious with COVID? Most spread happens in the first several days of illness, but you can spread it for longer. That is why the 5 extra days of care matter.
Do I need a negative test to go back to class? The CDC does not require one. A test can help you decide how careful to be.
Can I get COVID twice? Yes. You can be reinfected.
Is it COVID or allergies? Fever, body aches and loss of taste or smell point to COVID. See COVID vs allergies.
How accurate are home tests? They are more reliable when positive. See how accurate are home COVID tests.
Common questions
When can I go back to class after COVID?
Return to class when your symptoms are improving overall and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine. After you return, use added precautions for the next 5 days, such as a mask, more space and good hand washing, because you can still spread the virus.
How long am I contagious with COVID?
Most spread happens in the first several days of illness, but you can spread it for longer. That is why the 5 extra days of care matter.
Do I need a negative test to go back to class?
The CDC does not require one. A test can help you decide how careful to be.
Can I get COVID twice?
Yes. You can be reinfected.
Is it COVID or allergies?
Fever, body aches and loss of taste or smell point to COVID. See COVID vs allergies.
How accurate are home tests?
They are more reliable when positive. See how accurate are home COVID tests.