Symptoms of COVID-19 are flu-like and may include fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath. Some people may also experience fatigue, body aches, a runny nose or a sore throat. Most people develop only mild symptoms. But some people, usually those with other medical complications, may develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia.

People at higher risk include:

• People 60 and older.
• People with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease.
• People who have weakened immune systems.
• People who are pregnant.

People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible. The CDC website has a comprehensive listing of people at higher risk.

The purpose of the COVID-19 screening is to detect risk factors for the virus. Screenings are completed by answering a series of questions. Your risk results are given to you immediately.

A screening is not COVID-19 test. A screening is required before a COVID-19 diagnostic test may occur.

If you have been screened and you have a doctor’s order, you may be eligible to be tested for COVID-19. A COVID-19 test is diagnostic laboratory test that can identify the virus that causes COVID-19. It requires a specimen collection including swabs of your throat, nose and a sample of your saliva. The specimens will be sent to an appropriate testing facility. Results can be delayed several days.

Not everyone who feels sick needs to be tested.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. If you have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Please contact your doctor or call the Spectrum Health COVID-19 hotline 833.559.0659.

For patients who need testing, we offer drive-through testing by appointment only.

Note: Currently, most testing is being reserved for patients who are severely ill and are at a high risk of infecting others. We know it is frustrating to not know for sure if you have the virus. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding that we're unable to test everyone who may have COVID-19 at this time. If you have a mild case, you may be able to treat your symptoms at home. Staying home helps prevent you from exposing other people to the disease.

The Michigan State Department of Health and Human Services recommends continuing home isolation until:

At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed with no fever (without the use of fever-reducing drugs) and your symptoms have improved.

AND

At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

You may also discontinue home isolation if you had a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 test and at least 7 days have passed from the diagnosis and you've had no symptoms.