COVID-19 Updates

We are closely monitoring updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), the infection rate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and virus tracking systems. Our expert clinicians regularly care for patients with severe respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases. Our clinicians follow specific procedures using the tools and techniques in place to protect themselves, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by one virus, the novel 2019 coronavirus is now called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2.

Symptoms

Fever, cough, body aches, muscle pain, fatigue, chills, repeated shaking with chills, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell; sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms can be mild or severe; fatal in rare cases and can result in pneumonia.

Transmission

COVID-19 may be spread by an infected person for several days before their symptoms appear. COVID-19 might also be spread through the airborne route, meaning that tiny droplets remaining in the air could cause disease in others, even after the ill person is no longer near.

Treatment

COVID-19 is not treatable with antibiotics, which only work on bacterial infections. It may be treated by addressing symptoms, such as reducing fever. Severe cases may require hospitalization.

Prevention

COVID-19 may be prevented by frequent, thorough hand washing, coughing into a tissue or the crook of your elbow, staying home when sick and limiting contact with people who are infected.

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral medications are currently being tested to see if they can address symptoms.

Vaccine

No vaccine is available at this time, though it is in progress.

What If I Feel Sick?

If you have a medical emergency, call 911.

Unless it is an emergency, stay home if you feel sick, even if your symptoms are mild. To reduce your risk of catching or spreading illness, do not go to work, school or public places and avoid public transportation if possible.

If you feel like you need medical care, you are encouraged to call before you go to a doctor’s office or urgent care center and describe your symptoms over the phone. You can also access a telehealth primary care provider at bsahs.docsoncall.com. If symptoms are severe, you can also call 911.

Follow Your Healthcare Provider’s Instructions

Based on your risk for COVID-19, your healthcare provider may recommend that you:

  • Continue to monitor your health and call back if you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms.
  • Stay home and await further instructions.
  • Report to a medical care facility for evaluation. If possible, it’s best to go alone to your appointment unless you require assistance.
  • Go to a clinic or emergency department, or call 911, if you have more severe symptoms, such as higher fever and severe shortness of breath.

Visitation Policy

For the safety of patients, their families and our staff, only one designated visitor may accompany a patient during their stay. All visitors must pass a temperature check, health and travel screening and wear a mask during their visit.