Information about COVID-19

Learn about COVID-19 symptoms and additional resources to help you stay healthy.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of acute COVID-19 can be similar to flu symptoms and similar to allergy symptoms. They typically include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue (constant tiredness)
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Acute symptoms usually appear within two to 14 days after exposure to the coronavirus. Some people exposed to the coronavirus never develop symptoms of COVID-19; however, they may still be able to infect others (with much greater risk of transmission if they haven’t been vaccinated).

Symptoms of long-haul COVID-19 may vary. Long-haul COVID-19 (also called post-COVID syndrome) is when someone recovers from their initial infection but still has lingering health effects.

How do I get tested for COVID-19?

We offer convenient COVID-19 testing – by scheduled appointment only – at several clinics in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Please note that due to high patient volumes, requesting only COVID-19 testing at a hospital emergency center is not recommended.

Your COVID-19 test results will typically be available in your online HealthPartners or Park Nicollet account within 72 hours of testing. Results are not available over the phone.

How is COVID-19 treated?

Depending on your symptoms, age and risk factors, you may be prescribed antiviral medication or monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment to help fight COVID-19 after a positive test result.

Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated are also key to feeling better. Over-the-counter medications may help you find relief from your COVID-19 symptoms while your immune system goes to work.

How can I avoid getting sick from COVID-19?

Getting vaccinated, following mask-wearing recommendations and frequent handwashing are effective ways of preventing COVID-19 illness.

More FAQs about COVID-19

Where can I learn more about COVID-19?

For the latest updates on COVID-19, go to:

HealthPartners and Park Nicollet are following these three organizations’ prevention, screening, treatment and vaccination guidelines. We’re working closely with these organizations as well as other health care providers around Minnesota, Wisconsin and the country. View our COVID-19 preparedness plan (PDF).