Best online providers for COVID recovery documentation

Yes! Providers on Sesame can write official documents like doctor's notes and COVID Recovery Letters. If you are looking for documentation that you have recently tested positive for COVID, have undergone the period of isolation, and are no longer symptomatic or contagious, talk to a health care provider on Sesame today.

After discussing your condition with your provider, they can write a COVID Recovery Letter on their official stationary and have the document sent directly to you.

As of March 2023, the CDC has rescinded the requirement for official recovery documentation for passengers traveling to the United States from abroad. That means passengers no longer need to show proof of a negative test or proof of recovery from a recent infection before they get on a flight to the US.

You may still elect to get a COVID Recovery Letter for personal use, however. If you or someone in your family has recently tested positive for COVID, a COVID Recovery Letter is an official document testifying that you no longer are experiencing any symptoms, nor are you contagious. This letter can be used when you return to work, school, or other public spaces to show that you have completed the isolation period and are safe to resume activities around other people.

People with COVID experience a range of symptoms, including:

• 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 is not a complete list of symptoms. Refer to your doctor and the CDC or local health authority for a complete list.

If you have symptoms

If you are feeling symptoms of COVID, you should get tested immediately regardless of vaccination status.

If you were exposed

If you are vaccinated, get tested within 5 days of exposure. If you are unvaccinated, get tested immediately and then again 5 days later.

Best practices for testing and self-isolation are still evolving. For the most up-to-date information on COVID testing and guidelines, please talk to your doctor and check the CDC's testing guidelines and self-isolation guidlines to stay up-to-date.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID or if you have been exposed, you should get tested regardless of vaccination status. If you are unvaccinated, the CDC recommends getting tested immediately and then again in 5 days. Vaccinated people should get tested 5 days after exposure.

There are two kinds of tests available today: viral PCR and antigen tests. Free COVID testing is generally available nationwide through a mix of local testing sites, at doctor offices, and at neighborhood stores like CVS, Walgreens, and more. Check your local health website for resources to find the nearest test.

While antibody tests are used to detect the presence of COVID antibodies, it is not recommended to use this test to determine an active infection.

For the latest on testing, refer to the CDC testing guidelines.

To get screened for COVID and talk to a doctor about concerns, symptoms, and more, book a COVID screening today.

There are two primary types of COVID-19 tests that have been approved by the FDA. They are detailed below:

Viral tests are used to determine whether or not you have been infected by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These tests detect infections present at the time of the test.

- PCR Tests: PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests are commonly analyzed in a laboratory and indicate the presence of the COVID-19 virus' RNA. PCR tests are generally more accurate than rapid antigen tests, but may take several days to process. A PCR test is commonly performed via a swab of the nose or throat. Some tests may also use a fluid sample (via saliva collected in a vial), which is then analyzed by the testing site.

- Antigen Test: Antigen tests detect proteins (antigens) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A rapid antigen test is very accurate, but slightly less accurate than a PCR test. Antigen tests are performed via a nasal swab. The FDA has approved the emergency-use authorization of at-home antigen tests, which means these rapid tests are available for personal use without the requirement of driving to a testing site.

Antibody tests detect the presence of antibodies (the proteins that combat infection) in the blood. Antibody tests will not diagnose a current infection, rather they are used to determine whether or not an individual has been previously infected by the COVID-19 virus. According to the CDC, antibody tests are not recommended for individuals dealing with a current infection, or individuals who have immunity to COVID-19 after receiving a full vaccination series against the virus. Antibody tests are performed via a blood sample (usually a finger prick or blood drawn from the arm).

​​​​If a rapid viral test indicates that you have tested positive for COVID-19, it means that you are likely infected with the Coronavirus disease, and need to stay at home and self-isolate for 10 days. It is highly recommended that you inform your health care provider, as well as any close contacts you may have had, as well.

If you begin to develop severe symptoms caused by the COVID-19 infection (such as difficulty breathing) seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you believe that the positive result may be incorrect, talk to a health care provider to discuss whether or not you should test again. Telehealth platforms like Sesame make it easier than ever to get in touch with a licensed health care provider without having to leave home. If you have questions, concerns, or just want more information regarding COVID-19 testing, we recommend that you book a Video COVID-19 Screening visit to discuss your symptoms with providers on Sesame.

Consult the CDC's page positive test guidelines if you are sick, or if someone in your household tests positive.

Online COVID-19 visits allow patients to address their concerns or symptoms with health care providers from the comfort of their own homes. This is particularly beneficial due to the contagious nature of COVID-19 variants (like Omicron and Delta) even in vaccinated populations.

When you book an online COVID-19 visit on a telemedicine platform like Sesame, you will be connected to a licensed health care provider who can talk to you about your symptoms, and answer questions you may have about COVID-19 tests, testing site locations, test results, COVID-19 vaccines, public health recommendations, and more - all in real-time. Commonly prescribed COVID medications include Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) and molnupiravir (Lagevrio).

Here's how it works:

1) Use Sesame's search bar to look up the health care service you are looking to schedule (in this case, "Online COVID-19 visit" or "COVID-19 visit" will work).

2) Browse the list of possible providers to select the doctor you want to see.

3) Book an appointment that is convenient for you using our easy scheduling menu.

4) Pay a one-time upfront price to confirm your booking.

Once you've completed these steps, you will be emailed an appointment confirmation email with a link to the video chat room where you will speak to your provider.

It is recommended that, before your appointment begins, you test video and audio and find a private space to conduct the visit. A strong internet connection and a location where you can speak freely will help your visit go smoothly.

If your provider determines that in-person testing is appropriate, they will discuss the next steps and testing site locations with you.