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What To Do If You Have Coronavirus Symptoms

Stay home. Don’t go into public places, except to get medical care.

Isolate yourself in your home. Separate from other family members and pets. If possible, use a different bathroom.

Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or wiping your nose.

Don’t share household items. Have a separate set of dishes and bedding to use.

What are Covid-19 signs and symptoms?

Symptoms of COVID-19 can be mild to severe and may develop 2 to 14 days after exposure. People who have been infected may not show any symptoms and still be contagious. When symptoms of COVID-19 develop, according to the CDC, they include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

Emergency warning signs of Covid-19 include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concern you.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency. Tell the operator that you have, or think you have, COVID-19. If possible, cover your face with a cloth covering before medical help arrives.

Symptoms range from mild to severe, and some don’t have any symptoms.

If you have fever, cough and shortness of breath - and you have come in contact with a person who is known to have COVID-19 - call your doctor or local health department.

What to Do if You Have Symptoms

If you call your doctor with the Baptist Health Medical Group, we will ask you a series of questions about your health and possible exposure to COVID-19. If you meet certain criteria, we will further assess your medical condition.

If you are considered likely to have COVID-19:

  • If symptoms are mild, you will be asked to use Baptist Health’s telemedicine network for an eVisit or video visit, if you have the capability.
  • Seriously ill patients will be sent directly to the Emergency Department and asked to wear a mask (if you have one). We will provide strict instructions on accessing the Emergency Department. Contact the Emergency Department prior to your arrival. Don’t worry if you do not have a mask.

If indications are that you are not likely to have COVID-19, but you have similar symptoms:

  • If you come to a doctor’s office or clinic:
    • You will be treated as though you are infectious. You may be asked to wait in an area away from other patients, and given a mask. Staff who treat you may also wear masks.
    • You may be tested for infectious diseases, including seasonal flu, strep throat and possibly, COVID-19. Test results for COVID-19 will take three to four business days. You will be contacted with results.
    • If you are tested for COVID-19, you must self-quarantine at home until tests results are known. We will provide you with information on how to self-quarantine per CDC guidelines.
    • If your test is positive, you will be told to go to the Emergency Department if your symptoms are severe. If your case is mild, you will remain at home in quarantine.
    • If your test is negative, you can return to your regular activities, including work or school as medically feasible.

If you are asked to self-quarantine, a work or school excuse note will be provided.

If you are experiencing symptoms that you feel are related to COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, but do not feel comfortable coming into a medical office, virtual visits and video visit options are available through the Baptist Health MyChart portal. If you do not have a MyChart account, you can register for an account here.

Urgent Care COVID-19 Testing

Learn more about COVID-19 testing at participating Baptist Health Urgent Cares.