COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild illness to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever or cough. Other symptoms may include a sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath or feeling very tired.
Prevention
- Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Soap and water are preferred if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. - Avoid sharing personal household items
You should not share dishes, utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. - Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day
High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the instructions on the label. Bathroom and toilet surfaces should be cleaned daily with a household cleaner and then with a bleach disinfectant.
Testing
Many people are interested in testing for COVID-19 out of concern for themselves and their loved ones. If you have trouble breathing or feel very ill, contact your healthcare provider or, in case of emergency, call 911.
Healthcare providers may decide to have you first tested for other illnesses, like the flu, based on your possible exposure history and any other symptoms you might have.
Your health care insurance may cover the cost of testing at an in-network provider, but co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance may apply. It is always best to contact your plan to confirm costs.
To learn more, go to the Oregon Health Authority coronavirus page or call 2-1-1.