According to CDC guidelines you should isolate for 5 days and notify people you’ve recently had close contact with. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before they began noticing symptoms.

Last updated January 26, 2022, please refer to the CDC website for the most up-to-date guidelines.

COVID-19 has different effects on different people. Infected people have reported a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. People who exhibit these symptoms may be infected with COVID-19:

• ​​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

If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away:

• Trouble breathing

• Constant 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

While no over the counter medication will make COVID-19 go away faster, decongestants will help alleviate coughing, sore throats and nasal congestion. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen will help alleviate fever, body aches and headaches. Supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc may also be used to help support your immune system.

If you need help treating COVID-19 symptoms or have questions about your diagnosis, you can schedule a virtual visit on Optum Store. Please note that Optum Store virtual care is unable to provide documentation of test results (i.e. proof of negative COVID test required for travel).

The Abbott BinaxNOW™ test is suitable for travel; this test includes a virtual visit via eMed. Please follow the instructions on the box to initiate the virtual appointment. Please keep in mind that due to high demand, we may run out of stock.