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COVID-19 Testing

Symptoms

Adapted from the CDC, read more here.

People infected with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms, from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have COVID-19:

(1) Fever or chills

(2) Cough

(3) Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

(4) Fatigue

(5) Muscle or body aches

(6) Headache

(7) New loss of taste or smell

(8) Sore throat

(9) Congestion or runny nose

(10) Nausea or vomiting

(11) Diarrhea

The CDC also has a self-checker on their website where you can answer questions about yourself and your symptoms. Click here for more information.

Language Access Information for Local Hotlines

  • St. Louis City Hotline – 314-657-1499
    • Open between 8 am to 10 pm
    • Ask for interpreter
  • St. Louis County Hotline – 314-614-2660
    • Press 2
    • Wait
    • Ask for Interpreter
  • Mercy Hotline for Testing – 314-251-0500
    • Press 2
    • Ask for an interpreter
  • Missouri Hotline – 877-435-8411
    • Press 1
    • Wait
    • Ask for Interpreter

If you are sent to voicemail, say your language first, then leave your message. For example: Nepali, or I speak Nepali.

Should I Get Tested?

If you feel sick and believe that your symptoms align with those of COVID-19 infected people, stay at home and contact your healthcare provider to decide whether you need to be tested. Those who show symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and:

(1) Have had close contact with those with known COVID-19 infection

(2) At high risk for poorer outcomes, such as those over the age of 60, with chronic medical conditions, immunosuppressed, or pregnant

(3) People living in congregate settings

(4) Healthcare workers or hospitalized patients

should look to get testing, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

(1) trouble breathing

(2) persistent pain or pressure in the chest

(3) new confusion or inability to arouse

(4) bluish lips or face

Adapted from St. Louis County Cares.

Types of Tests

There are two kinds of tests available for COVID-19: viral tests and antibody tests. It is important to keep in mind that neither type of test is completely accurate.

A viral test tells you if you have a current infection.

An antibody test tells you if you had a previous infection. It may not be able to show if you have a current infection because it takes time, 1-3 weeks after infection, for your body to start producing antibodies for the virus.

Credit to Harvard University’s COVID-19 Safety Awareness Training

Local Testing Sites

Free Testing Sites in St. Louis

For more information on all testing sites in Missouri, click here.