Covid-19 Information
If you have a question or need more info about coronavirus or vaccine feel free to call our pharmacy at 509-584-0300
Coronavirus disease
COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
How it spreads
It is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people. Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggests that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – 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
Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face
Call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Learn how COVID-19 spreads and practice these actions to help prevent the spread of this illness.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around people who don’t live with you. Masks work best when everyone wears one.
• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others.
• Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.
• Avoid unventilated indoor spaces. If indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors.
• Clean your hands often, either with soap and water for 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19 when it’s your turn.
• Avoid close contact with people who 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 daily.
Treatments used for COVID-19 should be prescribed by your healthcare provider. People have been seriously harmed and even died after taking products not approved for COVID-19, even products approved or prescribed for other uses. Your healthcare provider will decide on what approach to take for your treatment.
Treatment Outside of the Hospital
• Bamlanivimab and casirivimab plus imdevimab are available under FDA EUAs for patients at high risk of disease progression and severe illness. Preliminary data suggest that some outpatients may benefit from receiving anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies early in the course of infection. The NIH COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines find that, to date, there are insufficient data from clinical trials to recommend for or against these treatments and these treatments should not be considered standard of care.
Your healthcare provider also may recommend the following to relieve symptoms and support your body’s natural defenses.
• Taking medications, like 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.
Treatment in the Hospital
• Remdesivir (Veklury) is an antiviral medication approved by FDA to treat COVID-19.
• Dexamethasone is a steroid medication, similar to a natural hormone produced by the body. Dexamethasone is recommended for patients who need supplemental oxygen.
If someone is showing emergency warning signs, get medical care immediately. Emergency warning signs include:
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face