What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Get Vaccinated!
The CDC now has stated that a fully vaccinated person (2 weeks after your final dose) can now resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing. At Esse Health, We Want You Well! So, as healthcare providers, our responsibility is to keep our patients, including the most vulnerable patients, and staff safe. Although the community guidelines have changed, the masking guidelines for our Esse Health offices will remain the same.
Visit Vaccines.gov to find vaccines near you. Another option is to text your zip code to 438829 (getvax) and see what happens! Feel free to give it a try.
COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Form
Click here to download the COVID-19 vaccine consent form. Please bring the completed form with you when receiving your first dose of the vaccine.
Update/Reminders for Isolation/Quarantine in COVID-19 Pandemic
Isolation applies when someone has tested positive for COVID-19
Quarantine applies when someone has been in close contact with a person who is positive for COVID-19
1. If YOU are COVID-19 positive, ISOLATE for ten days.
2. If you are fully vaccinated and are not showing any symptoms, you do NOT need to quarantine after exposure!
3. If you are NOT fully vaccinated and have 15 or more minutes unmasked exposure to COVID-19 patient in 24 hours and have no symptoms:
- Health care providers and other essential works can return FULLY MASKED to work at day 10 if asymptomatic, but must continue to quarantine for 14 days and not socialize or eat with others in the office until the period has expired.
4. ANY symptoms of COVID-19 must be reported and evaluated for testing.
If you believe you are showing symptoms, please self-quarantine* and call or text your Esse Health physician’s office.
*Self-quarantine means you should stay in your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis. While at home, you should separate yourself from other people and pets.
You should wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
This self-quarantine should remain in effect until you are told by a public health official or healthcare worker that self-quarantine is no longer required.
The Pathway to Thriving and Surviving During Crisis
Click here to learn how Esse Health is surviving during this crisis.
COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire
Click here to view the COVID-19 screening questionnaire.
Diabetes & COVID-19: What you need to know
Click here to learn about the risks of COVID-19 if you have diabetes.
Questions about tests for COVID-19?
Watch this video from the FDA about the different COVID-19 tests available.
Get information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) sent directly to your phone!
Get updated information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) sent directly to your phone. Text ESSE to 67634 or click here to scan the QR code.
Coping with COVID-19
We are all learning how to cope with the changes to our lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One way is to keep up a daily routine. Click here to learn about other ways to help you and your family cope.
Telehealth is now available!
During these uncertain times, Esse Health wants you well and safe. That is why telehealth visits with your Esse Health provider are now available for certain conditions. Call your doctor’s office to find out if a telehealth visit is appropriate for you and your child. Click here for more information.
COVID-19 Resources for Families
Click here for a list of COVID-19 resources for families.
What is the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
How is the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread?
The coronavirus (COVID-19) seems to be spreading easily in the community. Below are two ways which the CDC feels spreads the virus.
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get the coronavirus (COVID-19) by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
What are the symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) have experienced mild to severe respiratory illnesses. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have coronavirus (COVID-19) or if you live in or recently been in an area with an ongoing spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Missouri
- St. Louis City Department of Health: (314) 612-5100
- St. Louis County Department of Health: (314) 615-2660
- Jefferson County Health Department: (636) 797-3737
- St. Charles County Health Department: (636) 949-7400
- Missouri State Health Department 24 hour COVID-19 Hotline: (877) 435-8411
Click here if you are an Illinois resident.
How to protect yourself against the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
You can help protect yourself from respiratory illness by doing the following:
- Get Vaccinated!
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- 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.
What to do if you have the coronavirus?
The CDC has released an article about what to do if you are or believe you are infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to read the full article.
Know the Facts
The CDC has released 5 facts about the coronavirus (COVID-19) which can be viewed by clicking here.
