General COVID-19 Information
Learn about general COVID-19 information, including how to protect yourself from getting sick, symptoms of COVID-19 and more.
Stay up to date on COVID-19 surges in your county:
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.
You should:
- Wear a mask as soon as you find out.
- Watch to see if you get any COVID-19 symptoms.
For more details on what to do if you are exposed to COVID-19, visit the CDC website.
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.
If someone in your household contracts COVID-19, you should take steps to be sure that you and others in your household stay safe. Please see the CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself and others.
If you had COVID-19, follow the steps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses when you're sick. The CDC provides information about when you can leave your home and be around other people.
Prevent Getting Sick
- 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.
Internet access or a computer is not always needed, but you may need access to a smart phone or tablet to complete a telehealth visit. If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, you may be able to make an appointment for a telehealth visit with your doctor over the phone. If you need care, call your doctor to see if telehealth visits are an option.
If you are unable to see your doctor, Alliance members can call the Alliance Nurse Advice Line (NAL) and a registered nurse will help you decide what to do next. Call: 844-971-8907 or (TTY: Dial 711).
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".
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