COVID-19 Information for Patients & Visitors

Responses to frequently asked questions

• What are the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection?

  Reviewed February 25, 2021

  The symptoms of COVID-19 infections can range from very mild to severe, and some people have no symptoms at all. In those who feel unwell, symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Cough or shortness of breath
  • Unexplained muscle aches
  • Changes in taste and smell
  • Sore throat
  • Eye conjunctivitis
  • Stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)

  These symptoms are also associated with other medical conditions, so clinical testing may be needed to determine whether they are signs of COVID-19.

  UCSF recommends seeking immediate medical attention if you develop any of these emergency signs:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to wake up or stay awake
  • Bluish-colored lips or face

  Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or up to 14 days after exposure.

  Use our online symptom checker in MyChart or the CDC's coronavirus self-checker to get a better idea of what your next steps should be if you are feeling ill.

• What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

  Reviewed Oct. 19, 2021

  If you're a UCSF patient, you can choose one of two ways to schedule COVID-19 testing or treatment.

  • Call our COVID-19 hotline at (415) 514-7328. A nurse will ask about your symptoms and exposures before scheduling an appropriate visit or test.
  • Log in to MyChart. Navigate to the "Find care" section and select "COVID-19 testing and care." Answer a series of questions and, if eligible, you’ll be prompted to schedule your test or appointment. (MyChart self-scheduling is available for patients who have visited a UCSF provider in the past five years.)

  If you're a patient at the UCSF Cancer Center, contact them for specific instructions before calling the hotline or scheduling in MyChart.

  If you're a UCSF Health patient and have symptoms of COVID-19, we're committed to helping you get tested within 48 hours.

  In the meantime, if you feel sick, take these precautions:

  • Avoid public areas and stay away from others in your home. If you can use a separate bedroom and bathroom, do so.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth when you're around other people in your home or in public. Do not wear a mask with a valve, as these masks allow droplets to be released and don't protect others nearby.
  • Wash your hands after touching your face, before eating and after using the bathroom. If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Avoid sharing personal household items.
  • Clean all high-touch surfaces regularly, including counters, tabletops, doorknobs, phones and keyboards. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe according to label instructions.
  • Monitor your symptoms. If they're getting worse, contact your health care provider or go to the nearest emergency room.

  Watch a video that explains more.

  If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you might have or are being evaluated for COVID-19.

• Should I go to the emergency room if I'm sick?

  Reviewed February 25, 2021

  If you're sick, contact your doctor or call our patient hotline at (415) 514-7328 so we can determine the urgency of your situation. If you think you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

• Are children more susceptible to COVID-19?

  Reviewed February 25, 2021

  While rare, severe illness and death have occurred in children with COVID-19 disease and its complications. However, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible than adults, and they may even be less susceptible.

• Are people who recover from a COVID-19 infection immune to the virus?

  Reviewed January 21, 2022

  People who recover from a COVID-19 infection have some protection against repeat infection, according to the CDC, but it's unclear how adequate and lasting that protection is. 

  Reinfections do occur, and the emergence of new variants, such as Omicron, can increase the risk of reinfection. Studies are underway to better understand: 

  • How often reinfections occur
  • Who's at higher risk of reinfection
  • How soon reinfections take place after a previous infection
  • The severity of reinfections compared with a previous infection
  • The risk of transmission to others after reinfection