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General COVID-19 Information

Learn about general COVID-19 information, including how to protect yourself from getting sick, symptoms of COVID-19 and more.

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How can I be prepared for a COVID-19 surge?

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a list of COVID-19 symptoms that includes a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus.

Possible symptoms of COVID-19 can 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.

If you have any of the emergency warning signs below, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room:

Trouble breathing.
Persistent 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).

Please call your doctor if you have any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

For people with chronic illnesses or the elderly, the symptoms can be more severe and life threatening. People with asthma and other chronic conditions are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19.

What should I do if I was exposed to COVID-19 or am feeling ill?

What should I do if I develop COVID-19 symptoms?

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should:

Isolate immediately. Make sure you know how to protect yourself and others.
Get tested for COVID-19. Stay home until you know the result. If you test positive for COVID-19, follow the guidelines in the next section.
Contact your doctor for treatment options right away. You can get treatments for mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Do not wait to see if you get sicker.

How do I care for someone in my household with COVID-19?

When can I go out again after having COVID-19?

Prevent Getting Sick

What can I do to stay well?

Annual Vaccine. You are fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or two weeks after receiving the single dose vaccine.
Wash your hands. Prevent the spread of germs by washing your hands often. Use hand sanitizer when you do not have access to soap and water.
Stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with anyone who may be sick.
Seek medical attention if you are having COVID-19 symptoms.

If you or someone you live with are at high risk, extra precautions are advised. These precautions include avoiding things like hugging, kissing or sharing food or drinks.

For more information on how to limit risks when living in close quarters with others, visit the CDC website.

Telehealth Services

Some providers may be able to provide some of your services through a telehealth visit. These visits offer high quality care without you needing to leave your home and are a safe way to receive medical care without going to your doctor’s office. Telehealth visits may involve having a live video or phone conversation with your provider.

Other telehealth visits may involve sharing information with your provider without a live conversation. It is important that both you and your provider agree that the use of a telehealth visit for a particular service is appropriate for you.

Can I talk to my doctor by phone? Do I need internet access or a computer?

I cannot get in to see my doctor. What can I do?

COVID-19 Vaccine Videos

COVID-19 Vaccine Videos

COVID-19 Resources

Support Resources

The Alliance can help you get care if you feel sad, worried, stressed, upset after a loss or have trouble with alcohol or drugs. Call Member Services at 800-700-3874 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.). For the Hearing or Speech Assistance Line, call 800-735-2929 (TTY: Dial 711).
Call 211 for information on local social services.

Resources for Children and Adolescents

CDC information for families and children.
Managing stress for parents/caregivers and children.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens, visit the CDC website.

Resources for Older Adults

The State of California’s Aging and Adults Info Line connects to local Area Agencies on Aging. Call 800-510-2020. For the Hearing or Speech Assistance Line, call 800-735-2929 (TTY: Dial 7-1-1).
The California Department of Aging has developed a new activity guide and weekly planner, "Feeling Good & Staying Connected".