COVID-19 treatment

If you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus or are experiencing symptoms, a MinuteClinic provider can help. Our providers can evaluate your symptoms, provide testing and treatment options if eligible and help you manage your care.

Patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can schedule an in-person visit and get a rapid COVID-19 test. If you test positive and are at an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19, a MinuteClinic provider can prescribe antiviral medication during your visit.

We also offer virtual care visits for patients to allow those with COVID-19 to remain isolated. Virtual care visits also allow you to avoid exposure to other patients in the waiting room.

1. Prior to scheduling your appointment, you may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

If you made your appointment online:

Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.



If you made your appointment in the clinic:

Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.

4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.

5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

COVID-19 symptoms typically start off mild and gradually get worse. However, some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms at all.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Tiredness
• Muscle aches and pains
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of taste or smell
• Rash

The symptoms of COVID-19 can last for several weeks. However, many people recover within a few days to a week.

If you have been exposed to, or tested positive for, COVID-19 and have an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19, you should seek treatment early. Underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or an immunocompromised status may put you at an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not at an increased risk, you should self-isolate and monitor for symptoms. If you have a mild case of COVID-19, you may be able to recover at home. However, if your symptoms worsen or you develop difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention right away.

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The highly contagious virus spreads through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus, from an infected person. The virus can also spread through droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, which is why global mask mandates were put into place.

There is also a low risk of contracting COVID-19 from touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face, especially the eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can live on surfaces for several hours, so it’s important to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

Side effects of COVID-19 antiviral medications include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Altered or impaired sense of taste
• Increased blood pressure
• Muscle aches

COVID-19 antiviral medications can interact with other medications and supplements. It’s important to tell your MinuteClinic^® provider about any medications and supplements that you may be taking.

If you have COVID-19, there are some things you can do to relieve your symptoms:

• Get rest and sleep
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce fever
• Gargle with salt water or suck on hard candy to soothe a sore throat
• Use a humidifier to ease congestion and coughing
• Isolate yourself from others in the household who have not tested positive for COVID-19

You can protect yourself and others from COVID-19 by taking preventive measures such as these:

• Often wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer while out in public
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and immediately throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are high-touch areas
• Maintain social distancing by staying at least six feet away from others
• Wear a mask while in public, especially in indoor settings