COVID-19 RESOURCES

Information for Axis patients about the novel coronavirus/COVID-19

(Updated December 3, 2020)

Here are some important things for you to know about COVID-19:

What is coronavirus/COVID-19?

The novel coronavirus causes a disease known as COVID-19, which has widespread community transmission in many parts of the United States. The most up-to-date information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html).

Symptoms
Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms that can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.  There is no specific treatment for COVID-19.  Most infected people will recover on their own.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

If you or someone you care for has severe shortness of breath or trouble breathing, call 911.

Testing

Axis is now offering COVID-19 testing for Axis patients and non-patients who are essential workers. Testing is available to you even if you do not have symptoms, and is available for all ages. We encourage you to get testing if you work outside your home, which will help you stay healthy and safe. Please call 925-462-1755 to schedule your appointment.

Testing is also available without a referral at the Alameda County Fairgrounds for anyone age 10 and up. For more information visit https://www.valleycare.com/covid-19-regional-testing-site.aspx

For information on other testing sites in Alameda County visit https://covid-19.acgov.org/testing.page

Axis medical staff are available to evaluate patients by phone to determine the need for COVID-19 testing. If you are an Axis patient and plan to be tested somewhere other than at Axis, please call Axis for a phone appointment with your provider before going for a test so that we can provide helpful information and ensure that your results are recorded in your medical record.

Telephone visits

Axis will arrange for medical or behavioral health visits by telephone for patients experiencing symptoms.  Please call the call center for further information.

Tips

• • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZw4Ga3jg3E). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you are sick (except to get medical care).  Keep sick children home from school or daycare.
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.  If you use a tissue, wash your hands afterward.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (like doorknobs and light switches).  Regular household cleaners are effective.
  • Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.

If you or a family member has traveled recently to an area of risk for the virus (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html) or if you think you may have been exposed to the virus and have symptoms of respiratory illness, you should call the Axis call center at 925-462-1755.  It’s important to call us ahead of time rather than coming directly into one of our facilities.  Calling ahead helps us direct you to the most appropriate care, and take precautions to protect other patients and staff.

Guidance for people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness

Some people are at higher risk of experiencing severe illness from COVID-19.  This includes people who are:

• • Over 60 years of age
  • Have underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
  • Have weakened immune systems
  • It is not yet known how COVID-19 affects pregnant women, but as an extra precaution they should follow the steps below

People at higher risk should stay away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others.  This includes concerts, sporting events, large meetings, and crowded social gatherings.

There is no evidence that children are more susceptible to COVID-19.  In fact, most confirmed cases have occurred in adults.  Caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult their doctors about whether their children should stay home.  Anyone who has questions about whether their condition puts them at risk for COVID-19 should call the Axis call center at 925-462-1755.

Prescriptions

Please remember to continue refilling any prescriptions you have.  Refills can be requested by calling us at 925-462-1755 or through the MyChart Patient Portal.

Masks

Alameda County Public Health Department has ordered that members of the public should cover the mouth and nose to prevent inadvertently spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 when they need to interact with others outside the home and especially in settings where many people are present such as waiting in lines and shopping. For more information visit: http://www.acphd.org/media/569455/health-officer-order-20-08-face-coverings-2020.04.17.pdf

Keep Calm & Wash Your Hands

Axis is committed to the health and safety of our patients and employees.  We are trained in CDC protocols for COVID-19 and are prepared to safely treat patients.  Please know your care and safety are our top priorities.