Get online COVID treatment in minutes

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.

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.

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.

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

Stay home except to get medical care
After a positive diagnosis, you should self-isolate and not leave home until 5 days following your first symptoms or positive test. The CDC changed its self-isolation recommendation, shortening it to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask around others. Always refer to your local health guidelines and your doctor's recommendation.

Monitor your symptoms
While you are sick, monitor your symptoms including your fever, cough, and more. If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact a doctor. Your doctor or local health authority may provide recommendations on checking your symptoms and reporting information.

When to seek emergency care
According to the CDC, continue to monitor for emergency warning signs of COVID, including:

• Difficulty breathing
  
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  
• Confusion
  
• Inability to wake or stay awake
  
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
  

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

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).