What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person
to person that was first identified in Wuhan, China.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads from person to person. The virus is thought to spread
between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet)
through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or
sneezes. It may also be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching
a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own
mouth, nose, or eyes; however, this is not the main way the virus is thought
to spread.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness symptoms
including:
- Fever
- 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
To help protect yourself and others, MHP recommends the following:
- If you have flu-like symptoms, wear a mask.
- 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.
- 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 (such as cell
phones, keyboards, and doorknobs) using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Eat healthily and get good sleep.
Should I wear a facemask?
The CDC does recommend that people who are well use a facemask to protect
themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
How long is the incubation period?
Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear 2-14 days after exposure.
What if I test positive for COVID-19?
- Stay home except for medical appointments. People who are mildly ill with
COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. This means
that you should restrict activities outside your home, except for medical
care. Do not go to work, school or public areas, and you should avoid
public transportation, ride sharing or taxis while sick.
- Stay away from others as much as possible, including in your home. Try
to stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home.
- Avoid sharing personal household items, and wash items thoroughly after
use with soap and water.
How is COVID-19 treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People
with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ
functions.
What should I do if I am exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19?
MHP is now performing COVID-19 testing in our primary care offices. We
are also offering testing at MHP Priority Care, located at 30 W. Rampart,
Shelbyville, (open Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday
8 a.m.-2 p.m.) is able to test patients who meet the CDC or Indiana State
Department of Health testing criteria. Criteria include both symptoms
and assessment of risk factors, like known exposure to a person with COVID-19,
and consideration of chronic medical conditions. If you are not having
any symptoms, then you would not be tested at this time. Please DO NOT
drive to your doctor’s office. If it is a medical emergency, go
to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
If I am a recovered COVID-19 patient can I donate plasma to help infected patients?
Versiti is collecting plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to help treat
others diagnosed with the virus. This blood-related treatment - approved
by the FDA as an Emergency Investigational New Drug (EIND) - could offer
hope to the hundreds of patients who continue to be diagnosed. This treatment
would be used by hospitals for the most severely affected patients. Participants
must be eligible to donate blood. For more information: 1-866-702-HOPE
(866-702-4673) or visit
https://www.versiti.org/covid19plasma
Does MHP offer antibody testing?
COVID-19 IgG antibody testing, also known as serology testing, checks for
a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG). If you have been exposed
to the virus that causes COVID-19, your body typically produces IgG antibodies
as part of the immune response to the virus. Antibody tests may not be
able to show if you have been exposed to COVID-19 because it can take
at least two weeks after exposure to develop antibodies. This type of
COVID-19 test requires a Physician order and is for individuals who think
they may have had COVID-19 and do not currently have symptoms. This test
does not tell you if you have an active infection. Consequently, not all
patients are appropriate candidates for this type of testing, so please
consult your doctor to see if you are a candidate.
Will I be able to choose which vaccine I get?
You are able to see the vaccine(s) available at each location when you
schedule your appointment at
ourshot.in.gov.
What are the dangers of contracting COVID-19?
Approximately 80% of those infected with COVID-19 will only experience
mild symptoms and not require hospitalization. In extreme cases, individuals
have experienced pneumonia, multi-organ failure and death.
What is Major Health Partners doing to ensure the health and safety of
the communities it serves?
MHP is continuing to work in close contact with the Indiana Department
of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and Occupational Safety and
Health Administration to obtain to latest statistics and details. We are
taking all necessary precautions to protect our patients and staff.
For additional information and rolling updates on COVID-19 please refer to: