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COVID-19

COVID-19 FAQs

What is UAMS Health Doing?

  • Working closely with the Arkansas Department of Health.
  • Following all CDC-recommended screening protocols.
  • Preparing for the potential of caring for COVID-19 patients.
  • Using a travel screening tool to identify at registration patients who have been to locations where COVID-19 is widespread and who have symptoms.
  • Giving a face mask to patients who meet the travel screening criteria and taking them to an isolation room. An Infectious Disease physician and the Infection Prevention team help coordinate care.
  • Accepting transfer patients diagnosed with COVID-19 only if we have capacity to care for them and they require a level of care not available closer to home. Transfers to UAMS are coordinated and approved by the Department of Health.
  • Providing refresher training in PPE (personal protective equipment) and N-95 fittings to care teams likely to care for infected patients.
  • Providing online PPE training to patient care employees.
  • Ensuring fellows and residents will be involved in the direct care of patients infected with COVID-19 only as medically appropriate, educationally indicated and after appropriate training.
  • Ensuring students will not be involved in direct patient care of patients infected with COVID-19.
  • Providing timely, accurate information to employees, patients and the public.
  • Conserving PPE in the event of future shortages.
  • Conducting training exercises on the use of PPE and transfer of infected patients

How Can I Protect Myself?

  • Get vaccinated. There are currently three available vaccines that have been proven safe and effective in preventing infection by the coronavirus or minimizing the effects of COVID-19. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved and authorized the following vaccines for use.
    • Pfizer-BioNTech
    • Moderna
    • Johnson & Johnson / Janssen
  • Wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
  • Wear a face mask.
  • Get a flu shot. It’s not too late.
  • If you or family members have symptoms or acute respiratory illness, stay home and isolate the person with symptoms as much as possible.
  • Use UAMS HealthNow if you have symptoms and don’t want potential exposure to germs.
  • Check the CDC’s Information for Travel for the latest guidance and recommendations for each destination country.
    • Check yourself for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before starting travel.
    • If you become sick while traveling, notify your supervisor and call a healthcare provider for advice, if needed.
  • Keep a two-week supply of food and medications for your family at home

Why is Visiting Limited?

  • UAMS has implemented this temporary restriction on visitors to protect you, our patients and our staff from the spread of viral illnesses.
  • It is very important that our staff stay healthy so they can continue to care for patients. The fewer germs they are exposed to, the better.
  • Eliminating overnight visitors helps staff focus on patients.
  • Our physicians are able to allow one family member to stay overnight in extreme circumstances such as the birth of a baby or end of life. Please talk to your doctor.

What is Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), is a new respiratory illness first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. COVID-19 is caused by a novel or new coronavirus (CoV) that has not been previously identified.

What is the source of COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, and others, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, only infect animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID-19. More information about the source and spread of COVID-19 is available on the CDC’s Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus.

What are the symptoms and complications that COVID-19 can cause?

Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

How does the virus spread?

This virus probably originally emerged from an animal source but now seems to be spreading from person to person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. It’s not clear yet how easily COVID-19 spreads from person to person. More information about the source and spread of COVID-19 is available on the CDC’s Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus.

What are the treatments?

There are limited treatment options for those affected by COVID-19.

UAMS now offers monoclonal antibody treatments for eligible people who have tested positive for COVID-19. While this treatment is not a cure for COVID-19, it is designed to greatly reduce the symptoms associated with the virus and reduce the need for hospital stays. Find out if you are eligible for monoclonal antibody therapy.

How can I help prevent illness?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.