Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Frequently asked questions

We’ve answered some common questions about coronavirus.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:


  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea


This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

When to seek medical attention for coronavirus?

If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:


  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone


*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.


Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a medical grade mask before medical help arrives.

How can I best protect myself and others from coronavirus?

If you believe that you were exposed to COVID-19, visit the CDC’s Isolation and Exposure Calculator to determine if you need to isolate or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.  

Is it safe to go to the hospital or a doctor’s office? 

While screenings are no longer taking place at our building entrances, COVID-19 and other viruses are still active within the community. Our goal is to protect Scripps’ patients, staff and visitors by limiting the risk of virus introduction and spread within the health care environment.


Rest assured that our clinics and hospitals are safe places to receive medical care for everything from preventative health visits at our outpatient clinics to heart care and cancer treatments at our specialty clinics to immediate medical issues at our urgent care facilities and emergency rooms.

Can I get a note from my doctor for travel cancellations if I have COVID? 

Physician notes for travel cancellations will only be written for confirmed illness during time of expected travel. In some cases, trip cancellation insurance can protect your financial investment in a trip if you need to change your itinerary in the event of an illness. We recommend working with your travel agency, hotel or airline regarding refunds. Please visit the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease travel information page for the most up-to-date information on travel recommendations and restrictions.