Frequently Asked Questions

At Adventist Health, the care and safety of our patients is our top priority. We have highly trained infection prevention practitioners who closely follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the public health department.

You can also visit the CDC website for additional information about COVID-19.

What is a novel coronavirus?
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
What should I do if I have coronavirus symptoms?
What is the treatment of COVID-19?
How do I protect myself from catching coronavirus?
How are Adventist Health clinics and hospitals prepared to handle coronavirus cases?
How is Adventist Health protecting our communities?
How is Adventist Health is protecting patients and caregivers?
What visitor restrictions are currently being implemented?

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What is a novel coronavirus?

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.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Reported illness ranges from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The following symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

What should I do if I have coronavirus symptoms?

If you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory disease, we encourage you to call your primary care physician or clinic before arriving at the hospital. If clinically necessary, your primary care physician or clinic will give you instruction on how to get tested in order to limit the risk of exposure to other people. View our price estimator tool regarding pricing for COVID-19 testing.

Call your doctor if you develop symptoms.

Treatment of COVID-19

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19, according to the CDC. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

How do I protect myself from catching coronavirus?

Here are some prevention measures you can take to avoid contracting any virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Get a flu shot (for everyone six months and older)
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• 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

Here are some social distancing strategies:

• Stay home, do not go out unless necessary
• Stay 6 feet away from others
• Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people
• No child playdates

Adventist Health clinics and hospitals are safe, operational and prepared to handle coronavirus cases

The safety of our patients, associates and physicians is our top priority. We have highly trained infection prevention practitioners who closely follow the guidelines of the CDC and the local public health department. Our hospitals manage infectious disease on a regular basis and maintain isolation rooms.

Ongoing training and drills are underway on the proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, as well as on the protocols for the identification, testing and treatment of a patient with COVID-19-like symptoms.

Our medical offices remain open and are still accepting walk-in or urgent care visits. Please call the office first. To ensure excellent patient care, we will be rescheduling routine, non-urgent appointments.

If you are home and experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and have been in contact with someone who likely has an active coronavirus infection, we encourage you to call your primary care physician or clinic before arriving. If clinically necessary, your primary care physician or clinic will give you instruction on how to get tested in order to limit the risk of exposure to other people.

Our clinicians are evaluating the situation daily, and this policy will remain in place until it is determined that we can return to a normal operating environment.

Adventist Health continues to be in close contact with federal, state and local agencies to ensure that our physicians, staff and patients receive the best possible care.

How is Adventist Health protecting our communities?

The California governor has issued a statewide order for people to stay at home and “shelter in place” as we do our part to stop the spread of coronavirus. Businesses that are considered essential services, such as healthcare, will remain open.

The health and wellbeing of our patients and associates are important in all the communities we serve, including California, Oregon and Hawaii. Adventist Health has implemented work from home protocols whenever feasible. Other associates are reporting in person to our hospitals and clinics.

In addition, Adventist Health is following guidance from the CDC and state and local health departments in implementing the following measures:

• Postponing large community events such as health fairs, community forums and foundation galas
• Limiting group meetings to reduce the potential spread of germs. Consequently, community education classes may be postponed or offered online. We will contact registrants individually.

These measures are designed to reduce the spread of potential disease and enable social distancing.

Adventist Health is protecting patients and caregivers

Adventist Health hospitals and clinics are emphasizing fundamental infection prevention measures such as hand washing for associates and visitors, isolating infectious patients as appropriate and providing personal protective equipment (such as masks, gloves, gowns and eye protection) for associates and visitors if needed. We also follow new or additional prevention measures, issued by the CDC.

Adventist Health has managed infectious disease on a regular basis, and we want to reassure you that our hospitals and clinics are safe. We are confident we can effectively treat an infected patient with little risk to our patients and visitors. We are closely following CDC protocols and working with local public health departments to ensure our hospitals and clinics are safe. Learn more about how Adventist Health is prioritizing safety.