COVID-19
ProHealth Care continues to treat COVID-19 patients, but the number of people who are admitted to our hospitals with the infectious disease has dropped. While infection rates in our area have declined significantly, the safety of our patients, employees and community remains our highest priority.
ProHealth’s physicians and clinical teams employ the latest treatment protocols for COVID-19 patients who require hospital care, and support others who have been diagnosed with the virus and are recovering at home.
ProHealth Care offers Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations to those who are 6 months or older. Vaccine is available during an office visit with a ProHealth Medical Group provider, by walking in to any ProHealth Pharmacy location (must be 6 years or older) or scheduling an appointment at our vaccine clinic on the campus of ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital.
ProHealth Care strongly encourages everyone to take the simple steps that have proven effective in stemming the spread of the virus — wear a mask when you are in large groups of people, keep your distance from others and wash your hands often. If you will be visiting a ProHealth facility, you can review our masking and visitation guidelines.
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms develop 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. They may include headache, cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, aches and pain, gastrointestinal illness, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, or sudden loss of taste or smell.
If you think you may have COVID-19
Isolate from others and contact your primary care provider, schedule a virtual primary care or virtual urgent care visit. If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call 911.
If you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 and want to be tested
Your ProHealth provider can order a test for you or you can schedule a virtual urgent care visit. If a test is ordered by your provider or during a virtual visit, scheduling instructions will be provided.
Testing appointments
ProHealth Care provides COVID-19 tests by appointment only, and you must have a ProHealth provider’s order for a test. The testing location, time and instructions will be provided when you schedule a test.
While you wait for results
COVID-19 test results typically are available within three days. While you are awaiting your test results, it is vital that you stay home and isolate yourself from others. Your health care provider can provide self-care instructions.
Your test results
It may take from 24 to 72 hours to receive your COVID-19 test results. They will be posted in the ProHealth MyChart online patient portal immediately after they are received from the testing laboratory. Your primary care provider also will receive the results and can determine whether follow-up care is needed.
COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination is available for those 6 months and older. Call 262-928-5566 to schedule an appointment or book online.
Learn more about COVID-19
The ProHealth COVID-19 hotline is available 24/7. Call 262-928-4499. You also can find information at https://www.cdc.gov/covid/.
Answers to questions about coronavirus
What is coronavirus?
Human coronavirus infections are common, and most cause only mild to moderate illness. In late 2019, a new coronavirus called COVID-19 emerged in China and is spreading rapidly around the globe.
What are the common symptoms of COVID-19?
A variety of symptoms have been reported and many are similar to those caused by other viruses. Symptoms generally appear within two to 14 days of exposure to the virus and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills, often with shaking
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste
- New loss of smell
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will continue to update its list of symptoms as more is learned about COVID-19.
Call your provider or schedule a virtual urgent care appointment if you have symptoms that are of concern to you.
If someone experiences any of the symptoms below, or appears to be in severe distress, dial 911 and seek immediate medical care:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Be sure to notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who may have COVID-19.
Who is at greatest risk of acquiring COVID-19?
Older adults and those who have chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease or lung disease are at greatest risk for severe infection.
Can children get this disease?
Yes. Children can be infected with the virus and some develop serious illness. Those with select medical conditions are at a higher risk for severe illness.
How is the disease diagnosed?
COVID-19 is diagnosed in laboratories using special test kits approved by public health officials. For patients, the test involves a swab of the mouth and nose. At. home test kits are also available.
How can I get tested for COVID-19?
A provider’s order and an appointment are required for a COVID-19 test. An order can be obtained by contacting your primary care provider or scheduling a virtual urgent care visit.
What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with it?
Guidelines for the general public follow. Health care workers should refer to specific guidelines for their profession.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you should:
- Isolate yourself at home for five days.
- Wear a mask when you are around others for five additional days.
- If you have a fever, remain at home until your fever is gone.
If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should:
- Wear a mask when you are around others for 10 days.
- Get tested on the fifth day.
- If you develop symptoms, get tested sooner and stay home.
What treatments are available for those who become ill with COVID-19?
For those with minor to moderate illness, a health care provider may recommend medication to reduce a fever, water to stay hydrated and rest to help the body fight the virus.
Those who test positive for the virus and are at high risk of severe illness due to underlying factors may be eligible for an infusion of investigational monoclonal antibodies. The treatment may help the immune system respond to the virus more effectively, slowing its progression and reducing the need for hospitalization.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved medications for the treatment of COVID-19 and continues to test others to determine their safety and effectiveness.
How does this virus spread?
The virus spreads easily from person to person. It is acquired from an infected person who has symptoms, even when the symptoms are mild. It is transmitted through droplets from a cough or sneeze that are airborne or on a surface.
What is the incubation period?
COVID-19 symptoms commonly appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
How can I protect myself and my family?
Follow these steps to protect yourself and your family and help reduce the spread of coronavirus:
- Stay at home if you become sick.
- If you must go out and are ill, wear a mask and practice social distancing.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly – for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Antiseptic hand gel also may be used.
- Avoid touching your face, and especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your shirtsleeve, not with your hand.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Older adults and those with chronic health conditions should avoid large gatherings and public places or wear a mask.
- Get vaccinated.
Who should wear a mask?
If you have signs of a respiratory illness, you should mask if you are around others. You may also wish to mask if you are with large groups of people, particularly when indoors.
What is the status of COVID-19 in the United States?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates information regularly at https://www.cdc.gov/covid/.
