COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. The virus may cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, high fever, breathing problems, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, & extreme exhaustion. There are other symptoms less commonly associated with COVID-19, such as headache, loss of taste and smell, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

You can get evaluated for a test at select Rochester Regional Health Immediate Care locations. Our Immediate Care locations accept walk-in evaluations and will test if deemed necessary by an on-site healthcare provider based on the testing criteria.

View list of locations and testing questions

Stay protected against COVID-19 by:

• washing your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for 20 seconds
• maintain physical distancing of six feet between other people
• avoid touching your face
• avoid crowds
• wear a mask to cover your mouth and nose whenever in public, especially when unable to maintain six feet physical distance from others

The virus spreads from person to person by droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or be inhaled into the lungs. The virus more likely spreads when people are within about 6 feet of each other. Since COVID-19 is a new disease, we are still learning how it spreads.

Face masks and face coverings are required in public to help prevent the spread of germs. The CDC cautions the general public from wearing N95 masks since the global supply of N95 masks is limited.

Learn how to make, wear, and remove your face mask

The New York State Department of Health requires that everyone in New York wear a face covering when in public. The three most common types of face coverings are cloth face coverings (most common), surgical masks (used in healthcare settings) and N95 respirators (recommended only for healthcare personnel for specific procedures and circumstances).

Learn how to wear, remove, and make your own mask

All ages and demographics are at risk of becoming infected. According to the CDC, older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions seem to be at a higher risk.

We strongly recommend that patients and their loved ones avoid travel to COVID-19 hot spots. Individuals who travel to COVID-19 hot spots determined by New York State are obligated to self-quarantine for 14 days after departing the hot spot and returning home.

See the list of restricted states and territories

Attending a wedding or public gathering increases your risk of spreading COVID-19 and potentially being exposed. However, if you decide to attend a wedding, there are precautions you can take to reduce your risk. New York State requires that all public gatherings allow for people to be at least six feet apart and all attendees wear a mask whenever physical distancing isn’t possible.

The new coronavirus and influenza (flu) are both contagious viruses that cause respiratory illnesses, and both diseases are spread worldwide. Both can cause a fever, cough, body aches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, and both can result in pneumonia. But there are many differences, like transmission, medication, and treatment options.

Learn the differences between COVID-19 and the flu

There is currently no vaccination for COVID-19. However, Rochester General Hospital is one of four sites in the U.S. to test an experimental vaccine.

Learn more about the vaccine trial  

There is currently no specific recommended antiviral treatment by the CDC for COVID-19. However, Rochester General Hospital is taking part in a national clinical plasma trial with the Mayo Clinic testing a new therapy for COVID-19. We’re looking for people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19, and recovered, to donate blood. The goal of the trial is to see if blood from people who have previously had COVID-19 will help patients recover from the life-threatening disease.

Learn More About the COVID-19 Plasma Trial

Rochester Regional Health is providing the same safe, high-quality care at all hospitals and healthcare locations.

The coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and those droplets enter your mouth, nose, or possibly inhaled into the lungs. Even if this occurs outside, you can become infected with coronavirus. However, coronavirus droplets do not carry far in the wind. The wind may slightly increase the distance the particles travel before reaching the ground, but it won’t stay in the air for long. Most cases of transmission occur indoors, or when in close proximity for extended periods outdoors.

Read more about how coronavirus spreads outside

Cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing are steps you can take to keep your house and car a safe place during the coronavirus pandemic.

Read our guidance on how to clean for COVID-19

According to the CDC, a new study suggests that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to be hospitalized and are at increased risk for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and receipt of mechanical ventilation than nonpregnant women. Risk of death is similar for both groups.

Learn more in our Q&A with Dr. Daniel Grace

Children under the age of 18 are susceptible to COVID-19. While current evidence shows that most positive cases are among adults, children have developed COVID-19 symptoms and can be at risk for developing other serious respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV.

Learn the difference between coronavirus, flu, and RSV

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a serious, but rare, health condition in children that has been connected to COVID-19 by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MIS-C has been compared to Kawasaki Disease because it shares similar symptoms, but MIS-C is a different illness.

Symptoms for MIS-C vary from case to case, but some include: prolonged fever, rash, conjunctivitis, stomachache, vomiting and/or diarrhea, swollen lymph node in the neck, red cracked lips, swollen hands and/or feet, irritability, and/or unusual sleepiness or weakness. It is currently unknown if Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome is specific to children or if it also occurs in adults. 

Learn more symptoms, treatment & prevention