Navigating COVID-19

Symptoms range from mild to severe, and generally include fever, cough, shortness of breath and new loss of taste and smell. Other symptoms can include chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache and sore throat. They usually appear about five days after exposure to someone infected with the virus but could occur up to 14 days after an exposure. View our symptom checker to compare symptoms of COVID-19, the common cold and seasonal allergies.

Based on sustained reduced incidence of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory illness hospitalizations and community transmission, BJC HealthCare is lifting universal masking requirements in our health care environments effective March 22, 2023. Masks will continue to be readily available for those who prefer to continue wearing a mask, and patients who would prefer their providers wear a mask may request that. Masking in health care facilities helped protect patients, visitors, employees and the community throughout the pandemic and during recent severe respiratory viral illness surges. Masking remains required when visiting patients who are positive or suspected positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines are readily available through local pharmacy and retail locations, physician offices and public health departments. Find a location near you by visiting vaccines.gov. BJC is currently scheduling vaccinations for pediatric patients ages 6 months to 11 years old. Get more information or schedule your child’s appointment.

A mild case of COVID-19 usually resolves in one to two weeks. In severe cases, the recovery period can last up to six weeks or more. And some patients, regardless of the severity of illness, experience longer lasting symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart problems, fatigue and problems with memory and cognitive function.