COVID-19 symptoms, testing, and treatment
COVID-19 still exists, but there are effective ways to reduce the risk of severe illness and get care when needed. MedStar Health is here to help you stay informed about symptoms, testing, treatment options, vaccines, and when to seek medical care. We continue to follow current public health guidance to support the safety of our patients, visitors, and care teams. Whether you need advice, urgent care, or follow-up treatment, we are here to help you get the care you need.
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, fatigue, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, headache, muscle or body aches, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and new loss of taste or smell.
What should I do if I have symptoms?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and do not have another clear cause, stay home and away from other people.
Call 911 for a medical emergency. Warning signs include trouble breathing, ongoing chest pain or pressure, new confusion, not being able to wake up or stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
If your illness seems mild or moderate, MedStar Health has multiple care options.
Frequently asked questions
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What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, fatigue, headache, body aches, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and new loss of taste or smell.
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What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
Stay home and away from others if you have symptoms and no other clear cause. If you are at higher risk for severe illness, seek care promptly.
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When should I call 911?
Call 911 for emergency warning signs such as trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, new confusion, trouble staying awake, or pale, gray, or blue skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
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Do I need a COVID-19 test?
Testing can help confirm whether COVID-19 is causing your symptoms, especially since symptoms can overlap with other respiratory illnesses.
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What care options does MedStar Health offer?
MedStar Health offers 24/7 virtual care through MedStar eVisit, in-person care at Urgent Care locations, and follow-up through primary care.
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Is the COVID-19 vaccine recommended?
Yes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination to help protect against severe illness and hospitalization.
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Are there medicines available to treat COVID-19?
Yes. Effective treatments are available for COVID-19, especially for people at higher risk of becoming seriously ill. Prescription antiviral medications, such as Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and Lagevrio® (molnupiravir), may help lower the risk of hospitalization and severe illness when started early. A MedStar Health physician or advanced practice provider (APP) can help determine whether these treatments are right for you. Over-the-counter medications may also help relieve symptoms such as fever, cough, congestion, and body aches.
It’s important to know: COVID-19 antiviral medications work best when started within the first few days of symptoms. If you test positive for COVID-19 or begin experiencing symptoms, contact a MedStar Health physician or APP as soon as possible to discuss your treatment options
Care options
MedStar eVisit -Telehealth
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, MedStar eVisit - Telehealth is available for telehealth visits 24/7 to help manage symptoms, understand quarantine, and review options for testing. MedStar eVisit offers fast, simple, and secure telehealth services that connect you to trusted MedStar Health providers—anytime and anywhere in our service area, to screen and treat illness.
Download the MedStar eVisit – Telehealth app on your Apple or Android device, or access on your computer.
MedStar Health Urgent Care
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, visit one of more than 30 MedStar Health Urgent Care locations. Walk-in visits are always welcome, but an online check-in to reserve a spot in line is recommended.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency (such as severe shortness of breath, chest pain or altered mental status), please call 911 and request an ambulance.
Find a MedStar Health Urgent Care location near me
MedStar Health primary care
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and would like to establish care with a primary care physician or advanced practice provider (APP), we may be able to provide the COVID-19 testing or refer you to MedStar Health Urgent Care. We also encourage you to follow up with your primary care physician or APP for ongoing care.
Find a MedStar Health primary care location near me
Prevention and vaccines
Vaccination remains one of the best ways to help protect against COVID-19 and lower the risk of severe illness. MedStar Health offers COVID-19 vaccines for eligible patients at many primary care locations. We also continue to support practical prevention steps, including masking when you are sick, practicing good hygiene, and getting tested right away if symptoms begin.