CSUF Students - COVID-19 Information

Updated August 29, 2023

SELF REPORTING

While no longer required, the University recommends students report their COVID-19 symptoms, exposure, or positive test result hereOpens in new window . Students who report COVID-19 symptoms, exposure or positive test result will receive up-to-date information on self-isolation and testing recommendations, if applicable.  Information provided by student disclosures will also be used to comply with current Cal/OSHA requirements.

 

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms.  Symptoms  may change  with  new  COVID-19 variants  and can vary  depending on  vaccination status. 

 

When to get tested for COVID-19

Key times to get tested:

If you have any symptoms, test immediately.

  • If you are only going to take a single test, a PCR test (Titan Health Portal) will provide a more reliable negative test result.
  • If you use an antigen test (an at home test), a positive test result is reliable, but a negative test is not always accurate.
  • If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can.

 

If you do not have symptoms but have been exposed to COVID-19, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before taking a test.

  • If you are only going to take a single test, a PCR test will provide a more reliable negative test result.
  • If you use an antigen test (an at home test), a positive test result is reliable, but a negative test is not always accurate.
  • If your antigen is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can.
  • If your second antigen test is also negative, wait another 48 hours and test a third time.

 

Getting a COVID-19 Test

Buy at-home tests:

  • Buy self-tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores. Visit FDA’s websiteOpens in new window  for a list of authorized COVID-19 tests. Self-tests are antigen tests.

 

Go to a testing location:

  • TitanMED offers free COVID-19 testing appointments for CSUF students on campus. Visit hcmw.fullerton.edu or click the link below to make an appointment.
  • For off-campus testing locations, visit a community-based testing locationOpens in new window or health centerOpens in new window near you. These locations may offer PCR or antigen tests, and provide low – or no-cost testing for everyone.

TITAN HEALTH PORTAL

 

WHEN TO ISOLATE

Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19.

You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.

If your results are positive, follow the full isolation recommendations below. If your results are negative, you can end your isolation.

CDC Isolation recommendationsOpens in new window

 

WHEN TO END ISOLATION

End isolation based on how serious your COVID-19 symptoms were. Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation.

 

If you had no symptoms - You may end isolation after day 5.

 

If you had symptoms and your symptoms are improving - You may end isolation after day 5 if:

  • You are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
 

Your symptoms are not improving - Continue to isolate until:

  • You are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
  • Your symptoms are improving.
 

Regardless of when you end isolation - Until at least day 11:

  • Avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.
  • It is strongly recommended to wear a high-quality mask when indoors around others at home and in public.
  • For travel guidance, see CDC’s   Travel webpageOpens in new window .
 

Vaccine Requirement

Please check our Immunization Requirements webpage for more information.