COVID-19
Care Center

Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Here is some information that might help you make decisions about seeking medical care or testing.

• Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. They may not need to be tested.
• There is no treatment specifically approved for people who have COVID-19.

CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are at the discretion of state and local health departments and/or individual clinicians.

• Clinicians should work with their state and local health departments to coordinate testing through public health laboratories, or work with clinical or commercial laboratories.

Using the CDC-developed diagnostic test, a negative result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in the person’s sample. In the early stages of infection, it is possible the virus will not be detected.

For COVID-19, a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms likely means that the COVID-19 virus is not causing their current illness.

Many tests to diagnose COVID-19 have received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). All of these diagnostic tests identify the virus in samples from the respiratory system, such as from nasopharyngeal swabs.

Locations and types of testing sites may vary by state or territory (see question: Where can I get tested). Check with your testing site to learn which test it uses. You can find a patient information sheet for each test on the FDA site. Be aware that at this time, no home tests have been authorized for use. All tests must be done at a testing site. The FDA sees the public health value in expanding testing that may include home collection, and they are actively working with test developers on this goal.

Serology testing checks a sample of a person’s blood to look for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These antibodies are produced when someone has been infected, so a positive result from this test indicates that person was previously infected with the virus.

CDC is working with other federal agencies to evaluate the performance of commercially manufactured serology tests that are becoming increasingly available from healthcare providers. This evaluation is expected to be completed in late April.

We do not know yet if the antibodies that result from infection with SARS-CoV-2 can protect someone from reinfection with this virus or how long antibodies to the virus will protect someone. Scientists are conducting research to answer those questions.

Serology tests may not be able to tell you if you are currently infected because it typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to develop antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. To tell if you are currently infected, you would need a test that identifies the virus in samples from your upper respiratory system, such as a nasopharyngeal swab.

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:

• People aged 65 years and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility

People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:

• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• People who have serious heart conditions
• People who are immunocompromised
  • Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
• People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40)
• People with diabetes
• People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
• People with liver disease

If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:

• Stock up on supplies
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick
• Limit close contact and wash your hands often
• Avoid crowds, cruise travel, and non-essential travel

If there is an outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible. Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. If you get sick, stay home and call your doctor.

This list is based on:

• What we are learning from the outbreak in other countries and in the United States.
• What we know about risk from other respiratory infections, like flu.

As CDC gets more information about COVID-19 cases here in the United States, we will update this list as needed.

Currently, there is no evidence to show that taking ibuprofen or naproxen can lead to a more severe infection of COVID-19.

People with high blood pressure should take their blood pressure medications, as directed, and work with their healthcare provider to make sure that their blood pressure is as well controlled as possible. Any changes to your medications should only be made by your healthcare provider.

Based on available information, adults aged 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions included on this list are at higher risk for severe illness and poorer outcomes from COVID-19. CDC is collecting and analyzing data regularly and will update the list when we learn more. People with underlying medical conditions not on the list might also be at higher risk and should consult with their healthcare provider if they are concerned.

We encourage all people, regardless of risk, to:

• Take steps to protect yourself and others.
• Call your healthcare provider if you are sick with a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
• Follow CDC travel guidelines and the recommendations of your state and local health officials.

Generally, well-controlled means that your condition is stable, not life-threatening, and laboratory assessments and other findings are as similar as possible to those without the health condition. You should talk with your healthcare provider if you have a question about your health or how your health condition is being managed.

Most people with disabilities are not inherently at higher risk for becoming infected with or having severe illness from COVID-19. Some people with physical limitations or other disabilities might be at a higher risk of infection because of their underlying medical condition.

• People with certain disabilities might experience higher rates of chronic health conditions that put them at higher risk of serious illness and poorer outcomes from COVID-19. Adults with disabilities are three times more likely to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer than adults without disabilities.

You should talk with your healthcare provider if you have a question about your health or how your health condition is being managed.

Understanding Your Health Insurance Options

Your health is important to us and we want to provide you with the information you need to make decisions. During this critical time, you may be wondering what to do if you or a family member needs health care. If you are recently uninsured or are at risk of becoming uninsured, here are some avenues to explore.

Plans for Individuals and Families

Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans for individuals and families are available through the federal exchange, HealthCare.gov. You may be able to get a government subsidy to help pay for your monthly membership rate.

Med-QUEST (State Medicaid)

You may be eligible to get a health plan at no cost or low cost from the state during these difficult economic times. Learn how to apply by visiting the QUEST Integration website: https://medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov.

COBRA

You may continue your employer-sponsored coverage for a limited time (about 18 months). You will need to pay the full plan membership bill every month and an administrative fee. Reach out to your employer for more details.

Other Group Coverage

You may be eligible for coverage as a dependent through your spouse or partner’s employer, or another organization. If you are under 26, your parents may be able to add you to their plan.

The following organizations can provide assistance in navigating your health insurance options:

Legal Aid Society of Hawaii: 808-536-4302 (option 2)

We are Oceania: 808-754-7303

Med-QUEST: 1-800-316-8005 toll-free, TTY users call 1-800-603-1201 toll-free, or 711

Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)