COVID-19 testing is provided at WellSpan Urgent Care locations as well as most WellSpan primary care practices, and WellSpan Lab locations.
Your provider can provide guidance on what testing location is best suited for you.
What do I do if I feel sick or have COVID-19 symptoms?
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your primary care provider.
If you do not have a primary care provider and believe you need medical treatment for COVID-19, we recommend that you consider a WellSpan Virtual On-Demand Care appointment or call WellSpan’s Information hotline toll-free at (855) 851-3641. The information hotline is open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
According to the CDC, other less common symptoms may include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Call your healthcare provider before leaving home and follow their instructions. Limit walk-in visits if you suspect you have COVID-19.
Tell your healthcare provider that you have or may have COVID-19 before entering the building. This will help the office protect medical staff and other patients.
Many people with COVID-19 are able to recover at home if symptoms are not severe.
Get care immediately if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency. Dial 911 in case of emergency. Seek emergency medical care immediately for any of these warning signs:
- trouble breathing
- persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- new confusion
- inability to wake or stay awake
- bluish lips or face
COVID-19 and the flu have many of the same symptoms — learn the difference.
Should I get tested for COVID-19?
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, please call your primary care provider.
If you are not experiencing symptoms but have been in close contact (15 minutes or more and within 6 feet in distance) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you may need a test. Please call your primary care provider.
If you do not have a primary care provider and believe you need medical treatment for COVID-19, we recommend that you consider a WellSpan Virtual On-Demand Care appointment or call WellSpan’s Information hotline toll-free at (855) 851-3641.The information hotline is open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Care of long-term COVID-19 symptoms
People experiencing long-term COVID-19 symptoms can access specialists and resources through WellSpan COVID Care.
Many patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 continue to experience persistent symptoms and conditions caused by the virus for weeks and months following their initial illness.
Utilizing a virtual care model, WellSpan COVID Care provides comprehensive care to meet the current and future needs of patients with COVID-19.
Treatment, self-isolation and limiting spread
People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 may be able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
You should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you must care for your pet, wash your hands before and after.
Follow these tips to limit the spread of COVID-19 in your household:
- Cover mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
- Wash hands: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Wear a face mask: Wear a face mask if you must come in contact with other people or animals. If you cannot tolerate a face mask (for example, due to trouble breathing), cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
- Do not share: Do not share dishes, cups/glasses, eating utensils, towels or bedding with other people in your home. After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water or put in the dishwasher/washing machine.
- Clean and disinfect: Routinely clean high-touch surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom. Let someone else clean and disinfect surfaces in common areas, but not your bedroom and bathroom. High-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables.
When to stop self-isolation
The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your doctor and Pa. Department of Health recommendations.
People with COVID-19 can typically stop home isolation under the following conditions:
If you were symptomatic, you can stop self-isolation after:
- 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
- 24 hours have passed with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
- other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving (loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation).
If you were asymptomatic, you can stop self-isolation after:
- 5 days have passed since you had your positive test
Advice adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
