Coronavirus Resource Hub (2024)

Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I get tested for coronavirus? Can I go to the ER for a coronavirus test?

As a first line of defense, your doctor can evaluate your symptoms. Physicians will also perform additional tests, as appropriate, to rule out other potential illnesses such as the flu or mononucleosis.

Unless you are experiencing severe respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, please do not go to the ER for a coronavirus test. Instead, contact your care provider or local Centra Care Urgent Care location to schedule an online reservation for a test.

In order to avoid the spread of coronavirus, you should avoid the emergency room at your local hospital except in cases of an emergency.

How is coronavirus treated?

People who are infected and develop COVID-19 can receive supportive medical care from their doctors to help relieve symptoms. Treatment may include antiviral medication or monoclonal antibody infusion, if available.

Antibiotics don't prevent or treat coronavirus. Antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections, and COVID-19 is caused by a virus. Some COVID-19 patients may also develop a bacterial infection, in which case their doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, but the medicine will not treat the coronavirus itself.

Do you offer monoclonal antibody treatments? Where?

Following the FDA’s revised emergency use authorization that discontinued the use of Eli Lily’s bamlanivimab-etesevimab and Regeneron’s REGEN-COV monoclonal antibody treatments, AdventHealth facilities that offer monoclonal antibody treatments have transitioned to administering sotrovimab where supplies are available with a referral from a physician. This COVID-19 treatment is one among others that are proven to be effective against the omicron variant. required. The Florida Department of Health publishes a list of monoclonal treatment sites throughout the state that you can locate, here: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/treatments/treatmentlocator/

How can I protect myself?

Vaccination is the best option for protecting yourself and others against COVID-19. If you have not received a vaccine yet, there are a few things you can do to minimize risk to yourself and help protect others. When you’re in public, always wear a high-quality face mask and stay 6 feet away from other people. In public and at home, wash your hands thoroughly and often, and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose. Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home frequently, too. If you’re sick, call or video visit with your doctor, stay home and avoid close contact with other people. Read the CDC's steps to protect yourself and others.

See Also

Find world-class medical care close to home at AdventHealth Orlando, formerly Florida Hospital Orlando

Face masks are most effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19 when they are worn properly and used with other safety measures, like social distancing. To wear your mask properly, make sure it covers your nose and mouth, and wear it whenever you're in public. Wearing your mask properly effectively slows the spread of respiratory droplets from your breath, coughs and sneezes, which protects everyone around you.

Findings from the CDC also show that proper face masks can help protect you from inhaling respiratory droplets from other people, too. That’s why it's important to wear your mask even if you're not sick; some people have COVID-19 with no symptoms. Read more about why and how to wear your mask.

Will the vaccine protect against new variants of COVID-19?

Studies suggest that the COVID-19 vaccines do provide protection from the older strains of coronavirus and against delta, gamma, and the emerging omicron strains. While it’s still possible to get infected if you are fully vaccinated, the vaccines dramatically reduce the risk of serious illness caused by the coronavirus variants.

What are other forms of coronavirus?

There are multiple strains of coronaviruses that are common around the world, though there are also more severe strains as well. You may be more familiar with previous outbreaks of severe coronaviruses like MERS (MERS-CoV) or SARS (SARS-CoV).

What’s the difference between coronavirus and the flu?

Coronaviruses and the flu are completely different viruses, but can cause similar symptoms. Since the two share the same indicators, coronavirus can only be confirmed by conducting the appropriate laboratory tests.

What are some symptoms or coronavirus? What do I do if I have symptoms, am immunocompromised or have severe respiratory distress?

If you're immunocompromised (or have other underlying health conditions) and you have COVID-19 symptoms, please call your primary care physician, or schedule an AdventHealth app appointment as soon as possible, even if your symptoms are mild. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your symptoms and advise you on next steps. Use the AdventHealth app to set up a virtual care appointment.

If you have severe respiratory distress with symptoms that include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, go to the ER for immediate care.

I don’t have symptoms of coronavirus, but I’m worried because I may have been exposed. What do I do?

If you don't have any symptoms but are concerned that you might have been exposed to the virus, we recommend monitoring yourself at home. On average, coronavirus symptoms develop within 2 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Call your primary care physician, as they can offer care and testing advice personalized to your specific case.

Use the AdventHealth app to schedule a video visit with your doctor.

Do you have enough supplies to take care of patients?

Yes, our facilities have sufficient supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) for every team member.

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