COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with one or more of these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should consider testing, even if symptoms seem mild:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle or body aches
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Individuals who are experiencing concerning symptoms, should call their healthcare provider to discuss their symptoms. The CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker can help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. Learn what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.

If you develop emergency warning signs of COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

What treatment options are available for COVID-19?

Medications and treatments are available that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19. Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective. Contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if you are eligible for treatment, even if your symptoms are mild right now. Click here to learn more about treatment options.

Where can I receive treatment for COVID-19?

To request COVID-19 therapeutics/treatment, please contact your primary care provider (PCP.)

If you are unable to receive care from a PCP, the following locations can prescribe COVID-19 therapeutics/treatment with a full clinic visit. Please call the clinic to inquire about costs and treatment availability.

Locations Offering COVID-19 Therapeutics/Treatment:

Ascent Urgent Care
(517) 545-7400
1255 E Grand River, Howell, MI 48843

Ascension Urgent Care
(517) 338-2360
1225 S Latson, Ste 130
Howell, MI 48843

NextCare (Michigan) Urgent Care
(810) 844-0400
2300 Genoa Business Park Dr, Ste 120
Brighton, MI 48114

CVS Minute Clinic – Milford
(866) 389-2727
720 General Motors Rd
Milford Charter Twp, MI 48381

Walgreens – Fenton
(810) 208-7765
3270 W Silver Lake Rd
Fenton, MI 48430

Springfield Urgent Care – Highland
(248) 942-5888
2116 S Milford Rd
Highland, MI 48357

Find other COVID-19 therapeutics and treatment options near you

How is COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.

Protect Yourself & Others

Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms.

COVID-19 & Animals
COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations. Pet cats and dogs can sometimes become infected after close contact with people with COVID-19. Learn what you should do if you have pets.

COVID-19 & Food
There is no evidence to suggest that handling food or consuming food can spread COVID-19. Follow food safety guidelines when handling and cleaning fresh produce. Do not wash produce with soap, bleach, sanitizer, alcohol, disinfectant or any other chemical.

COVID-19 & Drinking Water
There is also no current evidence that people can get COVID-19 by drinking water. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or kill the virus that causes COVID-19.

Learn more about how COVID-19 spreads

How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. You can prevent the spread of illness by practicing everyday healthy habits.

Get vaccinated, including your booster dose.
Improve ventilation and spend more time outdoors.
Wash your hands often.
Cover your coughs or sneezes.
Clean and disinfect.
Monitor your health daily.
Lead a healthy lifestyle.

There are some additional prevention actions that can be done at any level, but CDC especially recommends considering in certain circumstances or at medium or high COVID-19 Community Levels.

Wear a mask.
Avoid crowds and keep distance between yourself and others.

Learn more

How can I boost my immunity to prevent COVID-19?

While there are no immunity-boosting supplements that can cure or prevent coronavirus, there are steps you can take to make your defenses as strong as possible. At the same time, you’ll also want to practice these precautions for preventing COVID-19 illness.

Immune-Strengthening Strategies

Healthy living strategies you can do for your immune system include:

Exercising Regularly – Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Eating A Healthy, Balanced Diet That Is High In Fruits & Vegetables – Use the MyPlate technique to determine portions and types of healthy foods that are best for you.
Maintaining A Healthy Weight – Aim for a BMI of 25 or lower. The best way to lose weight is with exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.
Getting Quality Sleep – Set a schedule and routine for sleep and practice good sleep hygiene.
Reducing Stress & Developing Good Coping Mechanisms – Include activities in your daily life that help you handle stress, like virtually connecting with loved ones, going outside, practicing meditation, exercising, making art or other hobbies.
Quitting Smoking – If you smoke, you can get support to help you quit.
Drinking Alcohol Only In Moderation, If At All – Limit the amount of alcohol you keep in the house or limit the number of glasses/bottles you drink.
Taking Steps To Prevent Infection – This includes getting a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you (including a booster dose), washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask, and social distancing.

Who should wear a mask or face covering?

Layered prevention strategies, like staying up to date on vaccines and wearing masks, can help prevent severe illness and reduce the potential for strain on the healthcare system. Wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you.

Know The COVID-19 Community Level Where You Live.

COVID-19 Community Levels is a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data.

At All COVID-19 Community Levels:

People may choose to mask at any time. Masks are recommended in indoor public transportation settings and may be required in other places by local or state authorities.

Medium Or High

If you are at high risk for getting very sick, wear a high-quality mask or respirator.
If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk getting very sick, consider self-testing to detect infection before contact and consider wearing a mask when indoors with them.

High

Wear a high-quality mask or respirator.
If you are high risk for getting very sick, consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed.

It is also important to wear a mask or respirator when you are sick or caring for someone who is sick with COVID-19. When caring for someone who is sick with COVID-19, a respirator will provide you the best level of protection.

If I travel, what steps should I take to reduce my chance of getting or spreading COVID-19?

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may choose to delay or cancel your plans.

CDC recommends that you do not travel if you are sick or test positive for COVID-19 and are recommended to isolate.

If you have ended your isolation after testing positive, but need to continue wearing a mask per CDC’s guidance, wear a high quality mask or respirator when around others for the full duration of your trip.

If you were exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the past 10 days, it is recommended you follow CDC guidance, including getting tested at least 5 full days after your exposure. Wear a high quality mask or repirator when around others for the full duration of your trip.

For the most up to date travel information, view travel alerts through the CDC.

If you decide to travel, you can take steps to protect yourself by:

Getting vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
Avoiding close contact by staying at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.
Wearing a well-fitting mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
Washing your hands often or using hand sanitizer.
Avoiding contact with anyone who is sick.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Not travelling with someone who is sick.
Making sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.
Following state and local recommendations or requirements after you return from travel.

What should I do if I was exposed to COVID-19?

For a summary of next steps after being exposed to COVID-19, review this MDHHS resource.

When should I get tested for COVID-19?

Testing is recommended:

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
If you were exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing.
If you are in certain high-risk settings, you may need to test as part of a screening testing program.
Consider testing before contact with someone at risk for severe COVID-19, especially if you are in an area with a medium or high COVID-19 Community Level.

Check your area’s COVID-19 Community Level.

What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?

Isolation keeps someone who is sick or has tested positive for COVID-19 away from others, even in their own home.

Quarantine keeps anyone who was exposed to COVID-19 away from others.

Learn More

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

Follow current MDHHS isolation recommendations.

Can I get a letter to return to work/school after recovering from COVID-19 or being exposed to someone who tested positive?

LCHD is not able to provide return to work letters at this time. If you need an excuse for work, please contact your primary care provider or the provider who administered your COVID-19 test.

If you are a school staff member or parent/guardian of a student, please use the Online Self Report Form to report a COVID-19 case or COVID-19 exposure and request return to school dates.

Why have I not received a phone call from the Health Department?

Due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, the Health Department is no longer able to contact all persons who test positive for the virus as well as those who have been in close contact to someone who has COVID-19. Residents are urged to take personal responsibility and action if someone becomes aware of a positive test result or potential exposure to COVID-19.

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