Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs

A: A novel Coronavirus is a new Coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the Coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

A: Currently, there is no FDA approved treatment for COVID-19. People who are infected should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms, including rest, fluids and fever control. Severe cases may receive treatments that support vital organ functions.

A: At this time, there is no vaccine for COVID-19.

A: The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

*This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses.

If you have the following symptoms – fever over 100.0, cough, shortness of breath – please call the nurse line at 480-587-6200, so that we can direct you to the most appropriate place for care. If you’re having an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you believe that you may have Coronavirus:

• Call ahead before going to any HonorHealth location.
• Please do not go to the emergency department for testing unless you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

A: If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it, follow these steps to help protect other people in your home and community.

Stay home except to get medical care.

• Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• If you have the following symptoms – fever over 100.0, cough, shortness of breath – please call the nurse line at 480-587-6200, so that we can direct you to the most appropriate place for care. If you’re having an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. Call ahead before going to any HonorHealth location. Please do not go to the emergency department for testing.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

More information is available on the CDC's website.

A: Due to your potential exposure to COVID-19 infection, as much as possible:

• Stay at home, except to get essential medical care, as much as possible. Do not go to work or school and avoid public areas (e.g., shopping centers, movie theaters, stadiums, etc.) and public transportation, including rideshare and taxis.
• Call ahead before visiting any HonorHealth facility and reschedule all non-essential medical appointments.
• Monitor your symptoms for 14 days after you were exposed. Watch for: fever (100.0°F or higher; take your temperature twice a day), coughing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, body aches, sore throat, headache, diarrhea and/or vomiting

A:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs – this will also help prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses.

A: Healthcare systems are routinely trained and equipped to respond to infectious diseases, and HonorHealth has strict infection prevention protocols in place to handle suspected or confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Additionally, HonorHealth is one of the only healthcare systems in the country to have germ-zapping technology in hospitals. This life-saving technology successfully kills germs — including bacteria, viruses, bacterial spores, even antibiotic-resistant superbugs — that may survive the manual cleaning process.