If you have symptoms, you should take a COVID test. Home-based antigen testing is the most convenient way to test for COVID-19.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate. See the CDC’s website for more information about when to isoloate and for how long.
Mild symptoms are a temperature below 100 degrees (below 102.4 degrees for children older than 3 months), aches and pains, or a mild cough. If you have these symptoms, stay at home and isolate. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and monitor your symptoms. Hopefully, you will start feeling better within a few days. You do not need to contact your doctor to let them know you have COVID.
If you have moderate symptoms like a fever higher than 100.4 degrees, significant coughing, or shortness of breath, contact your primary care provider’s office.
For children ages 3 months and older who are not immunocompromised, a high fever is greater than 102.4 degrees. If your child has a fever, significant coughing or shortness of breath, you also should call their primary care provider’s office. You should also call if they are sleepier, if they have not gone to the bathroom in more than 10 hours (if 3 years or older) or more than 8 hours (if younger than 3 years old). Your child’s doctor can recommend next steps.
If you don’t have a primary care provider or you have symptoms that need immediate attention, try our Urgent Care options:
Go to the Emergency Department if you have severe symptoms such as:
If you cannot get to the emergency department, call 9-1-1.
If you are at high risk for severe disease, then you should either contact your doctor’s office to ask about COVID-19 treatment or utilize free telehealth appointments available through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Appointments are available between 8 am and 10 pm.
If you live in another state, including New Hampshire, you can use the national therapeutics locator to find locations.
Updated June 5, 2023