The following information is about the coronavirus and COVID-19, including guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). For more information, please visit the CDC and WHO websites on coronavirus.
The information below is not intended to substitute for diagnosis, professional medical advice, or treatment. Seek the advice of your primary care provider or other qualified health provider with any questions, testing or treatment.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
The coronavirus has infected thousands of people worldwide.
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
As of March 11, 2020, the WHO has declared the spread of COVID-19 to be a pandemic. (A pandemic is a disease epidemic that has spread across a large region, for instance multiple continents, or worldwide.)
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but do not develop any symptoms and do not feel unwell.
Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes or respiratory conditions, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
The CDC recommends that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 (see above), returning from a CDC-designated “Level 2” or “Level 3” advisory area, or who has been in contact with someone who is suspected or confirmed of having the coronavirus within the last 14 days, should be tested.
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay 6 feet or more away from a person who is sick.
The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. So, it is possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill.
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the CDC and WHO websites and your local public health department.
Protection Measures for Everyone:
Although there is no current vaccine to protect against COVID-19, you can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading:
Most people with common coronavirus illness will recover on their own. Although there are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by coronaviruses, you can take the following actions to help relieve symptoms if you are mildly sick:
No, but since there is no treatment for COVID-19, getting available immunizations for other lung infections, like flu, pneumonia and whooping cough is important. This is especially important for those who have weakened immune systems or who may have a more serious illness. Additionally, while COVID-19 is circulating, these immunizations will help decrease the burden on health care delivery systems.
Yes. PHP and PHC California will cover the cost of COVID-19 testing with no copay for patients who meet CDC guidelines for testing. Contact your PCP if you think you should be tested.
Yes. PHP and PHC California will cover medically necessary outpatient and inpatient treatment for COVID-19.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever or cough, please call your primary care provider (PCP). It is important not to come to the clinic until after you have been assessed by phone. This is for your safety and the safety of others. Your PCP’s phone number is on your member ID card. If your PCP’s office is closed or you want to speak to a nurse now, call our Nurse Advice Line at 1-888-993-2880.