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Q & A

Q1

Q: What are common symptoms of COVID-19 and when do they occur?

Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People infected with COVID-19 may experience different symptoms, ranging from mild to severe illness. Some of these 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, click the button below for more information)

Q: Who should be tested for COVID-19?

People who have...

  • COVID-19 symptoms

  • Had close contact with someone (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more)

  • Been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, local external icon, or state health department

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Q: When is the best time to get tested?

It's best to get tested a couple days after exposure in order to avoid false negatives. However, this also depends on the sensitivity of the test being used.​

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Q: What do I do before and after being tested?

  • Isolate yourself

  • Alert friends and family you were near during that time

  • Stay in touch with your doctor

  • Monitor your symptoms

  • Take care of yourself and others

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Q: What should I do if I live with a health care worker with high risk of contracting COVID-19? 

  • Designate a room (preferably one with direct, or close access to a restroom) for the healthcare worker to quarantine in.

  • Make sure they have a mask, either N-95 or three-layer surgical, in case they need to leave the room.

  • Try to stay away from this quarantining room and have everyone wash hands or sanitize frequently.

  • When transferring items (such as food, clothes, etc.) between the healthcare worker and other family members, wear masks and leave the items by the door in order to maintain social distancing.

  • Thoroughly clean all items that leave the quarantining room by either washing them with soap, disinfecting them, or leaving them out long enough for the viral particles to become inactive, depending on their surfaces.

  • All other family members should also quarantine as much as possible, wear masks, and follow social distancing guidelines, just in case they have contracted the virus.

(Click the link below for more information)

Q: What should I do if I believe I am asymptomatic? 

​If you have been in close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 seconds or more) with someone with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection and do not have symptoms:

  • You should get tested.

  • While waiting for test results, self-quarantine/isolate at home.

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Note: A single negative test does not guarantee you will remain negative after that test. After receiving your negative test, continue to self-quarantine for 14 days.

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If you live with other people, stay separated from the rest of the household and use a separate bathroom and bedroom if possible.

 

  • ​If the other people you live with are at increased risk of severe illness (for example an elderly person or those with underlying medical conditions), take special precautions at home and follow the CDC guidelines.​

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If you are unable to self-quarantine due to personal circumstances...

  • Wear a mask

  • Physically distance yourself from others

  • Avoid crowds and indoor crowded places

  • Wash your hands frequently

  • Carefully monitor your symptoms

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Healthcare providers in close contact with someone with documented SARS-CoV-2 do not need to be tested if they used recommended personal protective equipment.

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Q: What should I do if I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?

If you have mild COVID-19 symptoms:​

  • Your healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, etc.) may advise a SARS-CoV-2 test.

  • Self-isolate for at least 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and with improvement of other symptoms, regardless of whether you have gotten tested.

  • If you live with other people, stay separated from the rest of the household and use a separate bathroom and bedroom if possible.

    • ​If the other people you live with are at increased risk of severe illness (for example an elderly person or those with underlying medical conditions), take special precautions at home and follow the CDC guidelines.​​

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​If your symptoms worse while you are isolating, or become moderate/severe (such as shortness of breath or severe fatigue)

  • Contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency care

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If you test positive

  • You do not need to repeat a test for at least 3 months

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You do not need  a follow-up negative test to return to work or school if:

  • You did not require hospitalization, AND

  • It has been at least 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and with improvement of other symptoms

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Q2
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