COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Most people who get COVID-19 will have mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without treatment. Some will become seriously ill and need medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions are more likely to develop serious illness. Some underlying medical conditions are cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease or cancer. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become very ill or die at any age.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People who have COVID-19 can have a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Possible symptoms can 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 does not include all possible symptoms. Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status.

What can you do if you think you have COVID-19?

Limit contact with others to help reduce the spread of illness. If you begin to have symptoms, stay at home. You should self-isolate (stay home) or quarantine (avoid contact with others, including household members). Once you’re feeling better and fever-free for at least 24 hours (without using fever-reducer medication), you may resume normal activities such as returning to school and work. Once you resume normal activities, take additional precautions for the next five days to avoid getting others sick, such as wearing a well-fitting mask and keeping a distance from others.

Follow self-care guidelines like these ones written by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

The best way to prevent or slow down transmission is to understand the disease and how it spreads. You can protect yourself by standing six feet apart, wearing a fitted mask and washing your hands often. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance.

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose. Small liquid particles spread it when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. It’s important to stop the drops from spreading. For example, you can cough into a flexed elbow or to stay home if you feel unwell.

In addition to staying home when you’re sick, the CDC encourages these core prevention steps and strategies:

Staying up to date with vaccinations to protect people against serious illnesses, hospitalization and death. This includes flu, COVID-19 and RSV, if eligible.
Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands often and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Taking steps for cleaner air, such as opening windows to let in fresh air, purifying indoor air or spending time outdoors.

If you are experiencing worsening symptoms, please call Nurse Connect at (608) 661-7350 to decide if you need further evaluation.

If you are currently pregnant, please contact your obstetric provider.

Oral Antiviral Medication Eligibility

Adults 18+ who are at higher risk of severe COVID and have had symptoms for less than 5 days may be eligible for oral antivirals (Paxlovid or Molnupiravir). Contact your primary care clinic if you are interested.

Important Information About Paxlovid and Molnupiravir

Became commercially available Nov. 1, 2023
Have many drug interactions
Are not safe in pregnancy
May not be appropriate for all patients

Who is considered high risk?

See CDC guidance on who is considered higher risk: COVID-19 Risk Factors

What You Need to Know About COVID-19 and GHC-SCW Clinics

Our highest priority is the health and well-being of our members, our staff and our community. We follow the advice of the Center for Disease and Prevention (CDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for these guidelines.

Are masks required in GHC-SCW clinics?

Masks are no longer required in all GHC-SCW Clinics. If you have had a recent COVID-19 exposure or diagnosis or are experiencing cough/cold symptoms, you should mask per the current CDC guidance.

What are the rules for visitors coming with me to a GHC-SCW clinic?

Visitor Restrictions

If you visit a GHC-SCW clinic for an appointment, please make sure you follow these rules.

You or anyone you bring to a visit can not have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last five days are not permitted.

All patients and visitors:

May be asked COVID-19 screening questions.
Must wash or sanitize their hands frequently.
Must practice physical distancing.
May be asked to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth if you have a cough or cold symptoms.