Respiratory Illnesses

If You Are Ill

Tufts University follows Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines related to respiratory illnesses. 

• If you have symptoms of a respiratory virus, with or without positive test results, you no longer need to isolate for a minimum of five days. This does not mean that you may attend school or work if you are sick. If you are sick, stay home and follow the guidance about returning to usual activities.
• Students, faculty, and staff who work in the School of Dental Medicine, Tufts Dental Facilities, Tufts Emergency Medical Services, and Student and Occupational Health Services should follow the guidance for health care workers. 
• For at least the first five days after you resume normal activities, take extra precautions including wearing a mask anytime you are indoors and around other people.

Masking

Masking is an effective way to minimize exposure to circulating viruses. Masking is required in all health care settings, including designated areas of the School of Dental Medicine, Student Health Service, the Counseling and Mental Health Center, and Tufts Occupational Health Services.

Testing

Over-the-counter virus testing kits are available at retail pharmacies. Despite the results, if you have symptoms and are sick, stay home and follow the guidance about returning to usual activities and masking.

Faculty and Staff

To request a test, contact your primary care physician (PCP) or call Tufts Occupational Health Services at 617-627-6500.

Students

Contact the Student Health Services clinic on your campus to schedule an appointment for symptom evaluation and/or symptomatic testing:

• Medford/Somerville and SMFA: 617-627-3350
• Boston Health Sciences: 617-636-0368
• Grafton: 508-887-4300

If you are a visiting student and require a COVID-19 symptom evaluation or test, please visit your primary care physician (PDP) or an urgent care clinic in your area.

Vaccination

Follow our guidance on vaccination for COVID-19 and influenza.