COVID-19 FAQ

COVID-19 is an airborne virus in the corona viral family. It is more severe and spreads easily. Because it shares many symptoms with influenza, diagnosing a COVID-19 infection is not possible based on signs and symptoms alone. It requires a test.

COVID-19 spreads similar to influenza. That is, it spreads person to person through respiratory droplets from an infected person's breath, cough or sneeze. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby ― typically within 6 feet ― or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Yes, you can catch COVID-19 from an object if the surface of that object has live virus on it. However, scientists no longer think surface contact is a main way it is spread. Estimates of long the virus can live on clothing, desks, kitchen counters and other surfaces range from hours to days, depending on the type of surface, surrounding temperature and environment.

Yes. Many people have been infected but showed no symptoms.

There are now FDA-approved vaccines in the United States. Learn more at our COVID-19 Vaccination page.

If you have symptoms, you should call your primary care physician or provider. Your healthcare provider’s office can evaluate your symptoms and tell you if you need additional COVID-19 testing.

The most common signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• A Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever

Additional symptoms include:

• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• New loss of taste or smell

COVID-19 signs and symptoms typically occur two to 14 days after exposure. Diarrhea, rash, vomiting and nausea are some less frequent symptoms. If you have been in direct contact with a person infected with COVID-19, you should call ahead to your provider and report your exposure.

 

What about testing at YRMC?
At YRMC, we’re testing dozens of patients each day. Yuma-area clinics, labs, urgent care centers and private practice physicians are also testing numerous patients on a daily basis.

People with symptoms usually receive a COVID-19 test.

Patients who test positive are isolated and treated. Currently, there are antiviral treatments and convalescent plasma treatments that are appropriate for some patients with COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued emergency authorizations for some experimental treatments in more severe cases, or with patients with compromised immune systems or complex illnesses.

To avoid COVID-19, you should:

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19.
• If you are not vaccinated, wear a mask when you are in public and observe social distancing.
• Keep your hands clean by washing them for 20 seconds several times a day.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough and sneezes to keep germs from spreading to others.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces routinely.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.

The CDC recommends that people who are not vaccinated wear a mask or cloth face covering over their nose and mouth in public settings such as workplaces, stores, doctors’ offices and pharmacies. Fully vaccinated individuals can resume activities without wearing masks or staying 6 feet apart in many locations and situations. However, all people visiting a healthcare setting must continue to mask, regardless of their vaccination status. Many individuals with coronavirus have no symptoms. In addition, people who eventually develop symptoms can transmit the virus before their symptoms appear. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity — for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing — even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.

The Yuma County Public Health Department reports a daily case count. Yuma Regional Medical Center collaborates with public health authorities, including the CDC and local authorities, as appropriate.

Yuma Regional Medical Center is committed to the privacy of its patients and complies with all applicable laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. As always, YRMC does not share patient-specific information with the media without prior authorization. YRMC collaborates with public health authorities, including the CDC and local public health authorities, as appropriate. These authorities are best-positioned to provide public health information.