COVID-19 101

If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you might have COVID-19. It is important to go get tested if you have symptoms.

• Temp 100.4 or above
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Loss of taste or smell
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Watch UCare Medical Director Dr. Scott Kammer answer questions about how to tell the difference between allergies and COVID-19.

Get tested as soon as possible. Call your clinic or find a testing location near you on the Minnesota Department of Health website.

Monitor your symptoms

Take your temperature regularly and pay close attention to any changes in your symptoms. Call your doctor or clinic with any concerns.
Download the UCare COVID-19 symptom tracker

Use a pulse oximeter

Ask your doctor or clinic for a pulse oximeter or purchase one at your pharmacy to monitor your blood oxygen level at home. Ask your doctor how best to use the pulse oximeter and what to do in case of low blood oxygen.

All UCare health plans cover pulse oximeters ordered by a doctor, and some plans also cover oximeters purchased over the counter. If you have questions, call the customer service number on the back of your UCare member ID card.

Get medical care if you have difficulty breathing

If you feel short of breath or have difficulty breathing, call your doctor or clinic. If these symptoms are severe, call 911, and let them know you have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

If you need to go to a clinic or hospital, do not use public transportation, taxis or ride-sharing services. For members who use UCare Health Ride, please call 1-800-864-2157 (TTY 1-800-688-8534), and we can arrange a safe ride for you.

Get plenty of rest

You may feel more tired than usual. Sleep and rest as much as you can.

Drink lots of fluids

Staying hydrated when you are sick helps your body heal. Focus on drinking water and other caffeine-free and alcohol-free liquids.

Maintain a healthy diet

Make sure you are eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and healthy sources of protein, carbohydrates and fats.

Get follow-up care

If your doctor gave you instructions to follow after your visit or hospital stay, be sure to follow them. If you continue to have symptoms, set up a telehealth or office visit with your doctor.

Isolate yourself

Stay in a separate room or isolate as much as you can. Use a separate bathroom if possible. Talk to your doctor about how long you will need to isolate yourself.

Wear a mask

When you cannot isolate from the people you live with, wear a mask. Make sure everyone you live with wears a mask as well.

Avoid sharing household items

Do not share food, dishes, utensils, towels, bedding or other household items with other people in your home. After using items, wash them yourself using soap and water.

Wash your hands often

Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

Clean shared surfaces

Clean frequently touched surfaces — like countertops, doorknobs, light switches and faucets — regularly with disinfectant cleaner.

Get vaccinated

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, wait to be vaccinated until you recover and have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation. If you do not have symptoms, wait until you meet the criteria for discontinuing isolation before getting vaccinated.

Stay home

Do not go to work, school or anywhere outside your home. Stay home until the following are true:

• You feel better. Your cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms are better
  
  and

• You have not had a fever and have not taken medication that lowers fever within the last 24 hours

Check out more information on isolation and precautions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Wear a mask

If you need to leave your home or answer the door, wear a mask.

Keep your distance

If you need to leave your home, be sure to keep six feet between yourself and other people.

Do not use public transportation

Do not use public transportation, ride-sharing (such as Uber or Lyft) or taxis if you need to go to a clinic or hospital.

For members who use UCare Health Ride, please call 1-800-864-2157 (TTY 1-800-688-8534), and we can arrange a safe ride for you.

Get vaccinated

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, wait to be vaccinated until you recover and have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation. If you do not have symptoms, wait until you meet the criteria for discontinuing isolation before getting vaccinated. This guidance also applies if you get COVID-19 before getting your second dose of vaccine.