Division of Student Life

Student Health Center

Upper Respiratory Illness Information & Support

Staying up to date on vaccines and following health habits practices are effective ways to reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections. 

The Student Health Center experiences a high volume of calls related to upper respiratory illness, including COVID-19, influenza, and other common infections. Reviewing the frequently asked questions (FAQs) before contacting the Student Health Center may help clarify the next steps and reduce wait times.

Warning Sign Symptoms

If you have any of the warning sign symptoms, seek emergency care immediately. Warning sign symptoms include: 

  • trouble breathing 
  • persistent chest pain or pressure 
  • new or worsening confusion 
  • inability to wake or stay awake 
  • pale, blue, or grey nail beds or skin, depending on your skin tone 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Vaccines & Prevention

Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness. Vaccines are safe, effective, and often free.  

Visit the Allergy and Immunization Clinic webpage for more information on preventative vaccines and appointments. 

Staying Home When Sick

Staying home while you are ill is an important way to prevent the spread of illness across campus and in the community. 

For university resources on self-isolation, instructor notifications, and other support related to health or illness related absences, fill out the Health & Illness Support Form. 

For guidance on quarantine and isolation, see the CDC’s guidance on preventing the spread of respiratory viruses. 

COVID-19 and Influenza Testing

The Student Health Center Pharmacy offers convenient at-home tests for COVID-19 and influenza. Testing early can improve your treatment options and reduce transmission so fewer community members get sick.  

For symptoms that may indicate another upper respiratory infection with specific treatment options, such as strep throat, call the triage nurse at 865-974-5080 and select option 7.

Negative Test Results

If a test is negative for influenza or COVID-19, it is still possible to have a respiratory infection that can be transmitted to others. If you have symptoms, you should re-test after 48 hours to verify that you remain negative.  

Even with a negative test, staying home and limiting close contact may reduce the spread of illness. If symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few days, another respiratory infection, such as the flu, may be possible. Contact a healthcare provider to discuss testing and treatment options.

At Home Care

Mild symptoms can often be managed at home. 

  1. Be sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids. 
  1. You may use over-the-counter fever reducers and cough and cold medications, but first check with your health care provider or pharmacist to make sure they are safe for you. 
  1. Stay home except to get medical care or basic necessities that cannot be delivered to you. 
  1. Students can submit a Health & Illness Support Form to have their instructors notified of their absence. Faculty and staff should work with health care providers and supervisors to determine isolation duration and work arrangements. 
  1. Distance yourself from other people as much as possible. 
  1. Monitor your symptoms. If they are becoming severe or not responding to at home care, contact your health care provider. 
  1. Call ahead before visiting a health care provider. 
  1. When around others, wear a mask over your nose and mouth. 
  1. Cover coughs and sneezes. 
  1. Clean hands often. 
  1. Avoid sharing personal household items. 
  1. Clean all high-touch surfaces every day. 

When to Seek Care

If symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few days or do not respond to over-the-counter medication, seek medical care. Call the triage nurse at 865-974-5080 and select option 7 to leave a message. Your health care provider will discuss appropriate treatment options for you based on your diagnosis. 

For more detailed information see the CDC’s website on respiratory illness.