Coronavirus Disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, is a new disease caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. To learn more, view our Frequently Asked Questions.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure, and 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
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
Most people who become sick do not require hospitalization, but older adults, people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to require more advanced care.
If you suspect you may have COVID-19, call your health care provider first or seek virtual care through Lake Health Online Quick Care.
Unless it’s a medical emergency, it’s important to stay home if you feel sick to reduce the spread of illness.
Testing
Your doctor’s office can help give instructions on how to get the care you need and determine if you meet the CDC guidelines for testing based on your symptoms, travel and exposure. If you do meet the criteria for testing, you’ll be advised on how to proceed with testing.
We’ve also created a free screening questionnaire based on CDC guidelines to help you determine the most appropriate level of care for you, available through Online Quick Care.
Lake Health has visitor restrictions for all facilities to help slow the spread of COVID-19. When visiting a Lake Health facility, you must wear a face mask covering your nose and mouth, keep a 6 feet distance from others, wash and sanitize hands and follow all directions of hospital staff.
Protect yourself and others. Help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community:
Influenza Season
Although a vaccine for COVID-19 was recently approved, it is not widely accessible to the public yet. The seasonal influenza vaccine is widely available this year and helps prevent influenza, along with helping to reduce the severity of illness for those who do get influenza. Compare COVID-19 and influenza symptoms.
It’s important to get an influenza shot this year to help protect yourself and those around you. Lake Health offers several convenient and safe ways for our patients to get the seasonal influenza vaccine – stop by a Lake Health Urgent Care or retail pharmacy or make an appointment at your doctor’s office.
Consider canceling or postponing your travel to reduce the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. If you must travel, take precautions:
- Wear a mask.
- Avoid contact with sick people and don’t travel if you’re sick.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol.
For health care questions, contact your health care provider. For general questions, the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 8 pm and can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
These trusted resources offer up-to-date information about COVID-19:
- Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ohio Department of Health
