I'm feeling under the weather, but I think it's probably just the flu. Should I sit tight and let it run its course?
Definitely not. The tricky thing about COVID-19 and the flu is that the symptoms are similar, so it could be hard to tell the difference — and both are highly contagious. Testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. And, if it is determined that you have COVID-19, you will also need to be cleared by the NYU COVID-19 Prevention & Response Team before you will be permitted to enter NYU buildings.
If you have any of the symptoms below, notify the COVID-19 Prevention & Response Team by completing a self-reporting form at this link.
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
- Additional symptoms of COVID-19 may include change in or loss of taste or smell
Once you self-report, the COVID-19 Prevention & Response Team will follow up with guidance.
If you haven't already, we encourage everyone to get a flu shot. There are as-yet unknown risks if you contract flu and COVID-19 at the same time, and the flu vaccine is widely available at no-cost or low-cost through your primary care physician or a pharmacy (students cleared for campus access can make an appointment
at this link to get a free flu shot at the Student Health Center).