Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs

A: COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can become severely ill. Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID-19 conditions that can persist for extended periods of time. The virus causing COVID-19 is not the same as the Coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

A: Treatments used for COVID-19 should be prescribed by your healthcare provider. The FDA has approved one drug to treat COVID-19 and issued  emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for some medicines to be used for certain patients infected with 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: Vaccines are now widely available and one of the best tools we have to help end the current pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free. See more information.

A: People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• 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. We will continue to update it based on information from the CDC.

If you have the symptoms listed above, 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. Get rest and stay hydrated. Do not visit public areas.
• Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home. As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a cloth face covering.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

More information is available on the CDC's website.

A: Follow the CDC’s recommendations here, which provide guidance for people traveling within the United States, for those traveling internationally and for those considering cruise ship travel.

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: We are taking every measure for your safety so you can confidently get the care you need. Read the steps we are taking to protect you, our visitors and our employees.