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What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
By Aetna
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
Possible symptoms 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
Test to Treat Program
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has a Test to Treat Program offered at different locations throughout the state.
A doctor on site will be available to talk about COVID-19 testing, preventive medicines, vaccines, and treatments (example: Paxlovid). If appropriate, you can get a prescription and have it filled at the same location.
To learn more, visit these websites for county information on free testing sites:
- For San Diego County go to sandiegocounty.gov
- For Sacramento County go to saccounty.gov
What should you do if you think you or someone else has contracted COVID-19?
Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own. Although there are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses, you can take the following actions to help ease symptoms if you are mildly sick:
Take pain and fever medications. Ask your pharmacist how they may interact with any medications you currently take. Caution: The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend not giving aspirin to children.
Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough.
Drink plenty of liquids.
Stay home and rest.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, please see your local health care provider.
Get Help
Medi-Cal Rx: 1-800-977-2273 TTY/TDD 711, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit www.Medi-CalRx.dhcs.ca.gov
Nurse Advice Line: 1-855-772-9076 (TTY: 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Customer Service at: 1-855-772-9076 (TTY: 711)
Need help to find COVID-19 medication? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489).