LATEST UPDATES ON COVID-19

Whether you're a member or an employer, Blue KC is here to connect you to useful and trusted information. By staying informed, we can stay healthy and safe.

COVID-19 Information

Costs & Coverage

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Symptoms

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Testing

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Vaccine

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COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

Anyone can contract the novel coronavirus. But older adults and people with severe underlying conditions like heart disease, lung disease or diabetes seem to be more at risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home.

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms – from mild symptoms to severe illness.

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you develop emergency warning signs,* call 911 and seek medical care right away.

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Blush lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Consult your doctor for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Go to the Testing page to learn about your in-network testing options.

COVID-19 self-checker

The CDC has an interactive assessment tool to help you make decisions on when to seek testing and medical care. Find it here: covid19healthbot.cdc.gov

Know your care options

Use the guide below to know where to go if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, from mild to severe, or for behavioral health support.

Experiencing mild symptoms? Your primary care doctor is the best person to assess your condition and determine if you need a COVID-19 test.

Have a virtual visit with a healthcare provider from the safety and comfort of your home. Contact your provider to see if they offer a virtual visit, or use BlueKCVirtualCare.com or the Blue KC Virtual Care app on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Use your behavioral health benefit to help you cope with any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing as a result of COVID-19. Go to MindfulBlueKC.com to learn more.

Always go to the ER if your health is in danger, or call 911! Severe COVID-19 symptoms can include difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain/pressure, new confusion, inability to stay awake, etc. *This list of warning signs is not all inclusive of all severe symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve curated the most commonly asked questions about coronavirus symptoms. Here they are – with answers of course – in one convenient place.

How long does it take to show symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

What should I do if I’m experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?

Consider using the CDC’s Symptom Checker to help you make decisions and seek appropriate medical care.

If you are experiencing the above symptoms and you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19 take the following action:

  1. Call your healthcare provider and share your symptoms and concerns of being exposed to COVID-19.
  2. Follow your provider’s guidance on next steps. They may:
    • Suggest you self-quarantine until you’re able to take a test.
    • Recommend you be tested for influenza or other illnesses first.
    • Provide self-care tips.
  3. Do your best to avoid close contact with others and practice safe disinfecting and cleaning behaviors including:
    • Cover your mouth
    • Wash your hands
    • Disinfect surfaces you use (kitchen and bathroom counters, tables, drawers, etc.)
  4. Monitor your symptoms and keep your healthcare provider informed of any changes.

I don’t have a primary care doctor. Who can I call if I’m experiencing symptoms?

Unless an emergency, consider alternatives to in-person ER visits:

  • Use Blue KC Virtual Care. The 24/7 app is available to you and all your covered family members.
  • Call your local Urgent Care Center.

Healthcare facilities and virtual care platforms may be experiencing an influx of calls from their patients during this time. You may experience longer than normal wait times when contacting your provider.