Frequently asked questions

COVID-19 symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms are:

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath.

There are also additional symptoms people may experience including:

• fatigue (tiredness)
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• new loss of taste or smell
• sore throat
• congestion or runny nose
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea.

Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms from the CDC.

If you experience severe symptoms, including but not limited to the following, please call 911: 

• trouble breathing
• persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• new confusion or seeming "out of it"
• bluish lips or face.
  
  

The coronavirus spreads from person-to-person. When people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), the virus can spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

The droplets can enter the mouths or noses of people who are nearby and then enter the lungs when they’re inhaled. Recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may even be spread by people who don’t show any symptoms.

• Please isolate yourself at home.
• If you believe you may have coronavirus, learn more about screening and testing options.
• Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Throw away used tissues and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched frequently. Use regular household cleaning spray or wipes, following instructions on the package.

Allina Health will be vaccinating all people ages six months and older when the updated vaccine becomes available in early October.

More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available in the vaccine sections of these websites: cdc.gov, fda.gov, health.state.mn.us and dhs.wisconsin.gov.

Allina Health requires an in-person or virtual visit to confirm if you need a COVID-19 test, or other tests based on your symptoms. Allina Health does not perform rapid testing.

Schedule an appointment to meet with an Allina Health provider to discuss your symptoms and see if you qualify for a COVID-19 test, or learn more about COVID-19 testing and screening at Allina Health.

If you’re not sure, call your clinic or 1-888-4-ALLINA (1-888-425-54621-888-425-5462). We will ask about your symptoms and guide you to the right care.

Virtual care offers a safe and convenient way to get care, right from your home. It can help you with common illnesses and injuries, preventive care, mental health conditions and a range of other medical needs. More often than not, there is a virtual care option for the care you need.

• Virtual visits allow you to make an appointment to talk with your provider face-to-face using your mobile device and the Allina Health account app. A virtual visit usually costs the same an office visit (depending on your insurance coverage), and if your provider decides you should be seen in person, you won’t be charged for the virtual visit. Schedule a virtual visit in your Allina Health account or by calling your clinic.
• Allina Health Online Questionnaire uses a brief online interview to gather information about your symptoms. A provider reviews your answers and responds with a care plan within an hour. Available 24/7, Allina Health Virtual Care is an easy and inexpensive way to be treated for many common health conditions. Cost is $49 or less depending on your insurance. Start a visit.

If you need care right away, we offer a number of care options including:

• Emergency department: If you have a medical emergency or life-threatening condition, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. 
• Urgent care: If you have an urgent medical need, you can be seen quickly without an appointment at an urgent care location.
• Online Questionnaire: Complete a short online health interview and a provider will send you a diagnosis and treatment plan within one hour. Our team of board-certified providers treat a variety of common everyday conditions virtually - for children to adults. Start a visit.

Your safety is our top priority. We continue to take every precaution to safeguard your health and reduce the spread of respiratory illness, including COVID-19:

• You should know that our hospitals set the bar for hospital cleanliness, with the Minnesota Hospital Association recommending our pre-COVID-19 cleaning standards to hospitals throughout the state.
• Our already high standards of clean have been enhanced throughout our facilities, with deep cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and public spaces.
• Hand sanitizer is located all building entrances to encourage hand hygiene for all staff, patients and visitors.
• Masks are strongly encouraged. You will be asked to wear a mask in our clinics and hospitals if you are exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness or have had a recent COVID-19 exposure.
• Virtual care options have been expanded. With everything from primary care to mental health visits, you can get much of the care you need from home.