COVID-19: Symptoms, Testing, Home Care, Treatment, and When to Get Medical Care
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For some people, COVID-19 feels like a mild cold. For others, it can cause more serious illness, especially in older adults, people who are pregnant, and people with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
Because COVID-19 symptoms can overlap with the common cold, flu, allergies, sinus infections, asthma flares, and pneumonia, it is important to know when home care is reasonable and when medical care is needed.
Common COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as possible COVID-19 symptoms.
When to Test for COVID-19
Testing may be helpful if you have symptoms, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or will be around someone at higher risk for severe illness.
At-home COVID-19 tests can be convenient, but it is important to:
Follow the test instructions carefully.
Check the expiration date before using the test.
Repeat testing if symptoms continue and the first test is negative.
Consider a clinic or lab test if results are unclear or you are high risk.
The FDA maintains an updated list of authorized at-home COVID-19 tests and expiration information.
A negative home test does not always rule out COVID-19, especially early in illness. If you have symptoms, it is still wise to take precautions to avoid spreading illness to others.
COVID-19 Treatment: Timing Matters
Some people with COVID-19 may qualify for antiviral treatment. These medications are most helpful when started early.
COVID-19 treatments can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death for people who are more likely to get very sick, but treatment must be started within 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin to be effective.
You should seek medical advice promptly if you test positive or strongly suspect COVID-19 and you are at higher risk, including if you:
Are older
Are pregnant or recently pregnant
Have chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, cancer, or immune system problems
Take immune-suppressing medication
Have multiple chronic medical conditions
Are not up to date on recommended vaccines
One commonly used outpatient antiviral option, ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir, is started as soon as possible and within 5 days of symptom onset when appropriate. Medication interactions, kidney function, liver disease, pregnancy status, and other factors must be reviewed before treatment.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should schedule medical care if:
You test positive and are at higher risk for severe illness
You may qualify for antiviral treatment
Symptoms are worsening instead of improving
Fever lasts more than 3 days
Cough is persistent, worsening, or associated with wheezing
You have asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, immune system problems, or pregnancy
You are short of breath with activity
You are unsure whether symptoms are COVID, flu, cold, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, or pneumonia
You need guidance on safe over-the-counter medications
You need documentation or return-to-work guidance
When to Go to Urgent Care or the ER
Seek urgent in-person care or call 911 if you have:
Trouble breathing
Chest pain or pressure
Blue or gray lips, face, or fingernails
Confusion
Fainting
Severe weakness
Oxygen level below the range recommended by your clinician
Dehydration or inability to keep fluids down
Severe or worsening symptoms
Symptoms of stroke, such as facial droop, weakness on one side, confusion, or trouble speaking
These symptoms may suggest severe COVID-19, pneumonia, low oxygen, dehydration, heart complications, blood clot, stroke, or another urgent medical condition.
Can Telehealth Help With COVID-19?
Yes, telehealth may be appropriate for many adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. A virtual visit can help determine whether home care is reasonable, whether testing is needed, whether treatment may be appropriate, and when in-person care is needed.
During a telehealth visit, your provider may review:
When symptoms started
Test results and exposure history
Fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, and body aches
Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest discomfort
Oxygen level if available
Medical conditions and risk factors
Current medications and supplements
Kidney or liver disease history
Pregnancy possibility
Medication allergies
Treatment eligibility and timing
Red flag symptoms that require urgent care
Telehealth is not appropriate for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue lips, severe dehydration, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
How to Help Reduce Spread
You can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses by:
Staying home when sick
Avoiding close contact with others when symptoms are active
Wearing a well-fitting mask when appropriate
Washing hands often
Covering coughs and sneezes
Improving indoor ventilation
Testing when appropriate
Avoiding high-risk people while ill
Staying current with recommended vaccines
What This Means for You
COVID-19 can look like a cold, flu, allergies, sinus infection, or asthma flare. Most mild cases can be managed at home, but symptoms should be monitored closely. If you are at higher risk for severe illness, do not delay seeking care because treatment works best when started early.
At Your Best Life Medical eClinic, we provide convenient telehealth visits for adults in Virginia when COVID-19 symptoms are mild to moderate and appropriate for virtual care.
Not sure if your symptoms are COVID-19, flu, a cold, or something else? Schedule a telehealth visit today to discuss your symptoms and safe next steps.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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