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What is novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Novel coronavirus, COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Patients with COVID-19 have experienced a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms may include:

• 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 list is not all possible symptoms. The CDC will continue to update this list as more is known about COVID-19.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. It is important to keep in mind that many people with these symptoms may have a viral respiratory illness such as a common cold or flu, and not the novel coronavirus causing this illness.

Who is at a higher risk for COVID-19 complications?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. The risk for severe disease increases steadily with age above 50 with people over 80 having the highest risk. Children and young adults tend to have milder forms of the illness.

If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or because you have a severe underlying medical condition, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure.

How do I know if I have COVID-19?

There is testing available for the virus but it is currently limited. We are following national and regional guidelines to identify those patients who may benefit from testing. The testing does not change what medical care a patient receives but can help us limit the spread of the virus. You can evaluate your symptoms using our online assessment tool. If there is a chance you have COVID-19, the recommendation will be to call your provider's office for further instructions.

How is COVID-19 treated?

There is no specific medication used for treatment of this illness. Most people will recover at home with rest and plenty of fluids. If you or someone you know begins having more worrisome symptoms such as shortness of breath, severe fatigue or confusion, please call your primary care provider’s office. If you’re having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

How can I help prevent the spread COVID-19?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendation for using a facemask, which is wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?

If you are experiencing fever, respiratory infection symptoms (i.e. cough) or other symptoms, please call your healthcare provider’s office before arriving or scheduling an appointment to determine the appropriate care setting and testing process. Your visit may be eligible for a video visit.

Call 911 if you have emergency signs such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face.

Is PeaceHealth conducting pre-screening measures to protect patients and caregivers at PeaceHealth facilities?

Yes, upon arriving at any PeaceHealth location, everyone will receive a symptom and temperature check. Anyone with an elevated temperature will be connected with appropriate care.

Has PeaceHealth limited visitors to its hospitals and clinics?

Yes. For the safety and well-being of our patients and caregivers, we are currently restricting visitors and non-essential individuals who enter our facilities. Exceptions are made for certain circumstances. Specific visitor requirements for PeaceHealth facilities are posted on our website.

Is PeaceHealth performing elective surgeries?

PeaceHealth is restoring operations to provide needed care for our patients. We are performing surgeries and procedures in alignment with guidance from the governors of Alaska, Washington and Oregon. If you need care, contact a PeaceHealth provider to be evaluated. Your provider will help ensure needed surgeries or procedures are scheduled, and that any other care needs are also addressed.

Does PeaceHealth have plans to address high surges of COVID-19 patients?

Yes. Our plans include significant increases in our ability to provide critical care, including increased staffing, supplies and space. We have prepared dedicated areas for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients within our facilities. We are also actively monitoring hospital volumes and capacity and working with the county and local healthcare systems to be ready for the coming days and weeks.

Additionally, PeaceHealth medical centers have stood up alternative triage sites outside of our emergency departments to help safely and efficiently screen emergency department patients during a potential surge.

Does PeaceHealth have availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for its caregivers?

Yes. We have sufficient PPE for our caregivers across our health system, including masks, gloves, goggles, N95s, PAPRs and gowns. We are taking every precaution necessary to ensure our caregivers’ safety now, as well as working to ensure we have sufficient PPE in the future. Additionally, all caregivers and physicians at PeaceHealth are required to wear masks, and each patient and visitor is required to wear a mask or cloth face covering.

How can companies and/or community members donate personal protective equipment (PPE)?

We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our community members and companies who want to help this effort. PeaceHealth is currently accepting donations of PPE for potential future use.

Does PeaceHealth provide COVID-19 testing?

Yes. We currently test all patients for active COVID-19 infection who are admitted to our hospitals regardless of symptoms. All patients receiving a procedure at our PeaceHealth facilities are automatically contacted for COVID-19 screening prior to their procedure. We also offer testing in our PeaceHealth Medical Group clinic and urgent care locations to those with symptoms or concerns about an active COVID-19 infection. Tests must be pre-authorized by a physician.

Does PeaceHealth provide antibody testing?

PeaceHealth is offering COVID-19 antibody testing to patients through PeaceHealth Medical Group following a visit with a provider. Also known as serology testing, COVID-19 antibody testing looks to see whether your immune system has responded to the infection. It’s important to know that even if the body has produced antibodies against the virus, it is not yet proven that these antibodies can fight off future infections of the COVID-19 virus, and if even if they can, for how long. Therefore, it’s important to continue to follow all infection prevention measures such as wearing a mask, hand washing and social distancing even if you have a positive result.