If You Have Symptoms

When people may have a respiratory virus like flu or COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that they stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both symptoms are getting better overall and fever is gone without using fever-reducing medication. Symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.

Symptom Cold Flu  COVID-19  RSV 
 Fever    X  X  X
 Headache    X  X  X
 Cough  X X  X  X
 Body Aches    X  X  
 Fatigue     X   X  
 Stuffy / Runny Nose  X X  X  X
 Sore Throat  X X  X  X
 Loss of taste or smell       X  
 Diarrhea      X  

Source:  CDC / Mayo Clinic

Testing

Local urgent cares, pharmacies including CVS, HyVee and Walgreens, health care provider offices and urgent care clinics offer testing for some respiratory viruses. Those uninsured or underinsured can call LLCHD at 402-441-8006 to be connected to testing resources.

Seek health care right away for testing and/or treatment if you believe you may have a respiratory virus (if you feel sick or tested positive for one) and you have risk factors for severe illness. If you have COVID-19, treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms start.

Testing Options for Respiratory Viruses

Treatment Options for Respiratory Viruses

What to Do if Around Someone Sick

 

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Once people return to normal activities, they’re encouraged to take additional precautions over the next five days:

  • Enhance hygiene practices – Wash hands frequently. Cover coughs and sneezes. Clean frequently touched surfaces.
  • Wear a well-fitting mask.
  • Keep distance from others.
  • Take a test – Testing can help people make decisions to further protect themselves and others.
  • Take steps for cleaner air – Bring in fresh air from outside, purify indoor air or gather outdoors.

Learn more - About Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

 

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