Despite their best efforts, UW Medicine has not yet been able to reach fair and sustainable agreements with Aetna that ensure continued access to care and are in the best interests of patients. Effective June 1, 2025, UW Medicine’s contracts with Aetna for Medicare Advantage and Commercial services have expired and we are now out of network with Aetna. Learn more about what this means for you and what you should do next.

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Think you have COVID-19?

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Do you think you may have COVID-19?

Be alert for any symptoms such as:

  • Fever 
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Chills with or without shaking
  • Runny nose
  • Nasal/sinus congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting 

If you are concerned you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing any symptoms, please do the following: 

  • Call your primary care provider to get instructions about how to get tested or
  • Visit an Urgent Care for screening.

Then, stay home except to get medical care 
As advised by the CDC, we recommend you stay in your home and separate yourself from other people at home to avoid spreading this infection. The elderly or anyone with more serious medical issues may get more severe symptoms. If your symptoms worsen—specifically difficulty breathing, chest pressure or pain, inability to keep fluids down, severe vomiting, diarrhea or weakness—you may need to return to the Emergency Department for evaluation. 

You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis. This is for the health and safety of others around you.
 
What should I do if my COVID-19 test is positive?
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, that means you are infected with the virus. You should remain at home, separating yourself from other people in the home for at least 10 days from when you started having symptoms and until you have been without a fever for more than 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. While you are staying home, stay hydrated, rest and use over-the-counter medications to help yourself feel better. If your fever or symptoms last more than 10 days, then you should stay at home, away from other people until after fever is gone and symptoms get better.
 
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 but have had no symptoms or illness, please isolate at home for 10 days from the date of your first positive COVID-19 test.

 
What should my household members, intimate contacts and caregivers do if I test positive? 
They should stay at home for at least 14 days after the last prolonged exposure to you (greater than 15 minutes over 24 hours and within 6 feet) while you were self-isolating at home. 
 
What if I am ill with something else? 

If you are sick with another viral infection and are not being tested, take care as you would for any other seasonal cold or flu. Drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest, and wash your hands often. If you need medical care, please call your healthcare provider.

Self-Checker

Still not sure? Consult this symptom checker to determine if you should consult a healthcare provider.