If you're sick and think you might have COVID-19 symptoms, our providers will guide you through next steps depending on your situation.
COVID-19 Symptoms
According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or trouble 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.
What to do if you have symptoms or were exposed to COVID-19
1. Stay Home
Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after you were exposed to the virus. Whether or not you have symptoms, if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or tested positive, it is important to quarantine or isolate in order to keep from spreading the virus to others.
Standard Quarantine Guidance:
Quarantine: If you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, the CDC recommends staying home for 14 days after your last contact.
Isolate: If you have COVID-19 and live with others (roommates, family members, etc.), you should isolate yourself in a separate bedroom for 14 days.
New Quarantine Options:
According to the CDC, quarantine can end (for people without symptoms):
-
On day 10 without testing
- On day 7 after receiving a negative test result
After stopping quarantine, people should:
- Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure.
- If they have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact their local public health authority or healthcare provider.
- Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash their hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
2. Call your Provider
Call your provider if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or possible exposure. Medical staff can help to make decisions about whether, when, and where you should be evaluated. This will avoid spreading the virus further to people in waiting rooms and other areas at these locations.
In a medical emergency, it is still important to call 9-1-1 and go to the emergency room.
3. Get Tested
Baystate Health offers drive-in and walk-up testing for COVID-19 by appointment. If you have symptoms or exposure to COVID-19, you should get tested.
When should you seek emergency medical attention?
According to the CDC, if you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 you should get medical attention immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
*This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
What is the treatment for COVID-19?
We know that most patients who test positive will not require hospitalization. Most people with COVID-19 can recover at home.
However, patients who do need inpatient care will receive care in isolation once admitted to a hospital. Multiple areas within Baystate Health are safely housing COVID-19 patients, providing appropriate isolation to help prevent spread of the virus.
Current treatment options, based on clinical studies and Emergency Authorization Use or Expanded Access approvals from the FDA, include:
It is too early to determine whether any of these therapies has significant beneficial effects in this infection.
Other actions you can take: