If you have the symptoms of COVID-19, please call your primary care provider. We ask that you do not go directly to the clinic as a precautionary measure to protect other patients and healthcare workers.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms can range from quite mild to severe illness. Symptoms have shown up as soon as two days to as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. In more severe cases, pneumonia develops, which may make it difficult to breathe. In some cases, individuals may have the disease and be unaware. This can add risk for others who they interact with who may have chronic health conditions, etc.
Are some people more susceptible to getting COVID-19 than others?
As this is a new virus, we do not have enough information yet to determine this. However, based on preliminary reports, it appears older people with chronic medical problems are more susceptible to severe disease.
What is the treatment for the virus?
Most people that test positive are able to treat the symptoms at home. Your provider may recommend:
- Taking medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever.
- Drinking water or receiving intravenous fluids to stay hydrated.
- Getting plenty of rest to help the body fight the virus.
If you test positive for COVID-19 and have certain risk factors that lead to disease progression, your provider may recommend that you receive monoclonal antibody treatment. The FDA has issued EUAs for two investigational monoclonal antibodies that can attach to parts of the virus. These antibodies could help the immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the virus.
These drugs are not available to everyone, there are eligibility factors considered prior to providers ordering this medication. Bamlanivimab is available for the treatment of mild to moderate symptomatic COVID-19 in patients (ages 12 and older) within 10 days of symptom onset and preferably within three days of positive test result who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. Patients 65 or older are automatically eligible to Bamlanivimab, patients 65 and younger must have a chronic medical condition to qualify. Currently, the doses allocated to Great Plains Health are for outpatient use only and patients must not need hospitalization or oxygen therapy.
Great Plains Health is an approved location to administer the monoclonal antibody treatment. If you test positive for COVID-19, please contact your primary care provider to find out if you are eligible.