YOU CAN DO MORE THAN SELF-ISOLATE

COVID-19 can start off mild but could get progressively worse, possibly requiring emergency hospital care.1 
That’s why it’s important to be prepared. BE IMPATIENT and create a COVID plan, now. It’s important, it’s easy, and we can help!

— STEP 1 —

KNOW WHERE TO GET TESTED

The only way to know for sure if you have COVID-19 is to get tested. Testing is simple: In most cases, a doctor or nurse will take a sample of fluid from your nose with a nasal swab. You can get results in 1-3 days, or in as little as 15-30 minutes with a rapid test.2  
 
You can get a COVID-19 test at many places, such as: 

Retail pharmacies

Urgent care clinics

Doctors’ offices

Home testing

— STEP 2 —

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

It can be hard to tell the difference between symptoms of COVID-19 and symptoms of other illnesses, such as the flu (influenza) or a common cold.3 
The only way to confirm whether you have COVID-19 is to get tested. Here are the symptoms to look out for4: 

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

— STEP 3 —

KNOW THE RISK FACTORS FOR SEVERE COVID-19

While everyone is at risk of getting severe COVID-19, there are certain factors and medical conditions that increase that risk.5,6

≥60 years of age

Overweight

Cancer

Diabetes

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD)

Heart disease

Your biggest risk for severe COVID-19 may be waiting too long to get tested

— STEP 4 —

KNOW WHO TO CALL WITH A POSITIVE TEST

The moment you test positive for COVID-19, contact your doctor about treatment options.

Start making your COVID plan, today.

#BEIMPATIENT

FIND A TESTING SITE NOW

Tell friends and family about making a COVID plan. Share the following message to get the word out:
Think you have COVID-19? You need a plan. Learn how to make one at makeacovidplan.com

FAQs

How can I find out if I have COVID-19?

The only way to know for sure if you have COVID-19 is to get tested. You can get a COVID-19 test at many places, such as:

  • Retail pharmacies
  • Urgent care clinics
  • Doctors’ offices
  • Home testing

Testing is simple: In most cases, a doctor or nurse will take a sample of fluid from your nose with a nasal swab. You can get results in 1-3 days, or in as little as 15-30 minutes with a rapid test.2

Why should I get treatment for COVID-19?

Getting treatment for COVID-19 may help you feel better.

Is it COVID-19, the flu, or a cold?

It can be hard to tell the difference between symptoms of COVID-19 and symptoms of other illnesses, such as the flu (influenza) or a common cold. The only way to confirm whether you have COVID-19 is to get tested.3

How can I protect myself from COVID-19?

  • One of the best ways to protect yourself is by getting vaccinated. There are currently several COVID-19 vaccines authorized or approved for use globally. Which vaccine you may receive depends on where you live.7
  • You can also wear a mask indoors and in crowded settings. Mask guidance will depend on where you live. Also, stay more than 6 feet away from others, and clean and disinfect your hands.7
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, you can do more than quarantine. Contact your doctor immediately to learn more about what treatment options you may have.

What COVID-19 treatments are available?

  • Many treatments for COVID-19 are approved for people who are hospitalized or require patients to make special arrangements to receive treatment.8
  • Reach out to your healthcare provider to find out more about treatment options that may be right for you.

Do I need a positive COVID-19 test to access treatments if I’ve been exposed and feel sick?

Depending on where you live, a positive COVID-19 test may be necessary to receive a specific treatment.

COVID=coronavirus disease; COVID-19=coronavirus disease 2019.

References: 1. Siddiqi HK, Mehra MR. COVID-19 illness in native and immunosuppressed states: a clinical-therapeutic staging proposal. J Heart Lung Transplant. 2020;39(5):405-407. doi:10.1016/j.healun.2020.03.012 2. Interim Guidance for Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated June 14, 2021. Accessed August 4, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antigen-tests-guidelines.html 3. Mayo Clinic Staff. COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences? Published May 18, 2021. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/covid-19-cold-flu-and-allergies-differences/art-20503981 4. Symptoms of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed September 13, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html 5. People with Certain Medical Conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html 6. Docherty AB, Harrison EM, Green CA, et al. Features of 20 133 UK patients in hospital with covid-19 using the ISARIC WHO clinical characterisation protocol: prospective observational cohort study. BMJ. 2020;369:m1985. doi:10.1136/bmj.m1985 7. COVID-19 ADVICE FOR THE PUBLIC: GETTING VACCINATED. World Health Organization. Accessed October 1, 2021. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines/advice 8. Therapeutics and COVID-19: living guideline. World Health Organization. Accessed October 1, 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-therapeutics-2021.3