Your AdventHealth Coronavirus Resource Hub

As a first line of defense, your doctor can evaluate your symptoms. Physicians will also perform additional tests, as appropriate, to rule out other potential illnesses such as the flu or mononucleosis.

Unless you are experiencing severe respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, please do not go to the ER for a coronavirus test. Instead, contact your care provider or local Centra Care Urgent Care location to schedule an online reservation for a test.

In order to avoid the spread of coronavirus, you should avoid the emergency room at your local hospital except in cases of an emergency.

People who are infected and develop COVID-19 can receive supportive medical care from their doctors to help relieve symptoms. Treatment may include antiviral medication or monoclonal antibody infusion, if available.

Antibiotics don't prevent or treat coronavirus. Antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections, and COVID-19 is caused by a virus. Some COVID-19 patients may also develop a bacterial infection, in which case their doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, but the medicine will not treat the coronavirus itself.

Long COVID-19 is a chronic condition that can occur after infection and lasts for at least three months. According to the CDC, it can include a wide range of symptoms and conditions. Each time a person is infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, they have a chance of developing Long COVID.

One research study found that people who had recovered from a COVID-19 infection were 80% more likely to develop neurocognitive problems like brain fog and confusion, 41% more likely to be diagnosed with sleep disorders and 39% more likely to develop depression.

We're dedicated to helping you heal. Learn more about our Post-COVID-19 Clinic in Central Florida.

Vaccination is the best option for protecting yourself and others against COVID-19. If you have not received a vaccine yet, there are a few things you can do to minimize risk to yourself and help protect others. When you’re in public, always wear a high-quality face mask and stay 6 feet away from other people. In public and at home, wash your hands thoroughly and often, and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose. Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home frequently, too. If you’re sick, call or video visit with your doctor, stay home and avoid close contact with other people. Read the CDC's steps to protect yourself and others.

Face masks are most effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19 when they are worn properly and used with other safety measures, like social distancing. To wear your mask properly, make sure it covers your nose and mouth, and wear it whenever you're in public. Wearing your mask properly effectively slows the spread of respiratory droplets from your breath, coughs and sneezes, which protects everyone around you.

Findings from the CDC also show that proper face masks can help protect you from inhaling respiratory droplets from other people, too. That’s why it's important to wear your mask even if you're not sick; some people have COVID-19 with no symptoms. Read more about why and how to wear your mask.

Coronaviruses and the flu are completely different viruses, but can cause similar symptoms. Since the two share the same indicators, coronavirus can only be confirmed by conducting the appropriate laboratory tests.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by a specific type of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. It was first detected in 2019. There are other types of human coronaviruses that have been common throughout the world since the 1960s.