COVID-19 Symptoms
Symptoms of the coronavirus can be very similar to other seasonal respiratory infections like colds and influenza (“the flu"). Most commonly these include fever, muscle aches, cough, and difficulty breathing. In addition, you may experience chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.
Many patients have COVID-19 infection with no symptoms at all (asymptomatic infection). Most patients with COVID-19 have only mild flu-like and respiratory symptoms, which can be managed at home. However, some patients may develop severe pneumonia and breathing problems that require hospitalization.
If you have respiratory or flu symptoms, please call your doctor’s office ahead of time. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they may provide special instructions or—if appropriate—connect with you for a virtual visit.
For very severe symptoms like trouble breathing, call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room.
COVID-19 Testing Options
If you have flu and cold symptoms and suspect it may be COVID-19, call your provider’s office or the Urgent Care before going in for care.
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health has testing available for patients who suspect they may have the COVID-19 infection. Please use the following guidelines to determine if a test is appropriate for you.
Patients with a Lancaster General Health Provider
Patients without a Lancaster General Health Provider
- Conduct an online video visit using Penn Medicine OnDemand. Start your visit at LGHealth.org/OnDemand, or
- Visit an Urgent Care location. Please note: We do not offer rapid testing for COVID-19. Standard COVID-19 tests are available.
Please do not go to the Emergency Department for a COVID-19 test. We ask that you use our ED for emergencies only.
For additional testing locations, please visit the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Testing site to find a COVID-19 testing location near you.
Additional Information on the Coronavirus
For more general information about COVID-19, both the World Health Organization and the CDC offer helpful facts and information, including guidance about possible symptoms, prevention, and travel restrictions. Learn more on their websites.