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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).
If you’ve ever had the flu, you know how bad it can be. Getting the flu shot is one way to help prevent against the flu, and it's covered by your health plan. The other way is to understand flu myths and facts, so you can stay healthy.
Be prepared for flu season
A flu vaccine (shot) is your best chance to avoid the flu. It’s best to get a shot each year, as soon the flu shot is available in your area. This can be done at your doctor’s office or a health clinic.
The flu vaccine is available in several forms. Most are given in an arm muscle with a needle. Talk with your doctor about which form is best for you.
Myth vs. Fact
M: You can catch the flu from the flu shot
F: A flu shot cannot cause the flu virus.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for just about everyone ages 6 months and older. If you're not sure if you should get the flu shot, check with your doctor first.
M: The flu shot is expensive.
F: The flu shot is covered by your health plan. If you're enrolled, make sure you get your flu shot at no extra cost.
M: The flu shot shouldn't be given at the same time as other vaccines.
F: The flu shot can be given at the same time as other vaccines,2 including the pneumococcal vaccine.
M: Getting the flu shot is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.
F: Getting the flu shot is one way to protect yourself. Make sure you also avoid contact with people who have the flu. And remember to wash your hands often.
M: Antibiotics help with the flu.
F: Antibiotics don't necessarily treat the flu. They only help with infections caused by bacteria. Antiviral drugs like TAMIFLU® can fight the flu virus, so you can feel better faster.
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Misconceptions about seasonal flu and flu vaccines. September 25, 2018. Available at: cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fabout%2Fqa%2Fmisconceptions.htm. Accessed May 20, 2019.
2Georgia Department of Public Health. Adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccines FAQ.
Available at: dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/Immunizations/Flu-Season-Flu-Pneu-FAQs.pdf. Accessed May 20, 2019.