COVID-19 Evaluation and Testing

Student Health Services provides evaluation, diagnostic testing, and healthcare for students who experience symptoms of COVID-like illness. Students who have concerns about symptoms or have questions about testing can call Student Health Services (703-993-2831).

Visit our COVID-19 Guidance webpage for answers to frequently asked questions such as “what do I do if I test positive” or “what if I am a close contact.”

Be prepared for COVID illness. Have at-home COVID self-test kits available as well as face masks. Have a thermometer too. You can purchase these items from most local retail stores or online retailers –  such as grocery stores, pharmacies, CVS, Walgreens, WalMart, Target, Amazon, etc… Students, faculty and staff with a valid Mason ID can get a free COVID at-home test at One Stop and Express convenience stores on the Fairfax Campus. Test kits are also available at the Student Health Services clinics during our operating hours.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to:
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
Vomiting
Diarrhea

If you are showing any of these emergency warning signs of COVID-19, seek emergency medical care immediately:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

This list does not include every emergency symptom. Call your healthcare provider to discuss any other severe or concerning symptoms.

If you have symptoms of COVID

  1. Stay home or in your residence hall room and away from others (self-isolate) when you are sick. Take basic preventive actions to help keep illness from spreading to others.
  2. Take a rapid at-home COVID antigen test.
    • If the result is positive, click here and follow these steps.
    • If the result is negative, continue to take preventive actions. Take another at-home COVID test 48 hours later. If both results are negative, you do not need to take other action. Continue to take everyday precautions if you are having symptoms to avoid spreading other respiratory illness. 

Call Student Health Services at 703-993-2831 to speak with a nurse if your symptoms are getting worse or if you have concerns about symptoms. You can also call if you have questions about test results. After-hours, follow prompts to reach the free nurse advice service.

Student Health COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing

By appointment only.  Student Health provides rapid point-of-care and PCR testing (nasal swab) for current COVID-19 infection. Diagnostic testing is for students who are symptomatic. Call Student Health at 703-993-2831 to schedule an appointment.

Not near campus? Your provider can refer you to a local testing location.

Free COVID self test kits available at Express and One Stop convenience stores and Student Health clinics on campus. Must show a valid Mason ID. One Kit Per person. Sponsored by Student Health Services and Mason Dining

COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments

COVID vaccines are available to everyone age 6 months and older. Use the nationwide search tool at vaccines.gov to find a vaccine provider near you.