We can all do our part to slow the spread of COVID by collectively taking several simple actions. These include:
- Getting vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster dose as soon as you are eligible. Vaccines will soon be available. If you are an Access patient, please contact Access at (608) 443-5480 to schedule an appointment.
- Wearing a well-fitting mask whenever you have a respiratory illness. You can consider wearing a mask in indoor spaces when others are present who do not live with you.
For more information, visit dhs.wisconsin.gov.
COVID-19 Information
The COVID-19 virus, or coronavirus, is a respiratory illness that can easily spread from person to person. People with confirmed infections have a range of symptoms, from little to no symptoms to people being severely ill. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Body or muscle aches
- Nausea
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of smell
- Loss of taste
Not everyone with COVID-19 has all of these symptoms. For many, symptoms are mild, with no fever. It is important to know that you can still spread (transmit) the virus to others even if you have mild or no symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that symptoms of COVID-19 appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after contact with someone who has COVID-19.
If you have any of these symptoms, we recommend testing.
There are many ways test for COVID-19:
- Access patients can get tested at our three medical clinics without charge. Additionally, we can provide at-home kits available for patients.
- All U.S. households are eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at COVIDTests.gov.
- At-home COVID tests are also are widely available to purchase at pharmacies and retail stores.
How to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- If you are risk of severe infection from COVID, consider wearing an N95 mask if you go out in public. Please discuss with your doctor or nurse if you have questions about what is recommended for you.
To keep from spreading respiratory illness:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wear a mask if you need to leave your home and have a respiratory illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when you cough or sneeze.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Treatment recommendations
If you have symptoms, please contact your clinic at (608) 443-5480 for COVID-19 testing. If you test positive for COVID, discuss with your provider whether treatment with antiviral medications such as Paxlovid is right for you.
In addition, take care of yourself by:
- Resting.
- Drinking fluids.
- Taking fever-reducing medications — Tylenol/Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.
Find additional information on COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Public Health Madison & Dane County.