For over 100 years, Washington County Hospital and Clinics has been providing healthcare services to Washington County and surrounding community residents.
With the continued spread of Novel (new) Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) within the United States, Washington County Hospital and Clinics (WCHC) is taking steps to limit the spread and concern of the virus within our community. WCHC is committed to the health and well-being of our patients, residents, caregivers, and our community.
When: Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Location: Beans Pharmacy (222 S Iowa Ave)
Appointments are encouraged but not required, 319-653-4646.
Video Series
Learn more about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine and why all eligible individuals should get vaccinated. Dr. Flannery addresses myths about the vaccine to alleviate concerns and encourages all to get vaccinated today.
Watch part 1 and part 2 of series 2 of the the COVID-19 Vaccine with Dr. Flannery to get a recap on the current COVID vaccines and to learn about other types of vaccines, where we are at with vaccines and about the new mutations of COVID-19.
Watch part 1 and part 2 of series 1 of the COVID-19 Vaccine with Dr. Flannery to learn about COVID-19 infections and the vaccines.
For general inquries regarding COVID-19 and COVID vaccines, contact Washington County Public Health at (319) 653-7758 or visit WCPH's COVID-19 News. Additional resources and information can be found by contacting 2-1-1 or at coronavirus.iowa.gov.
Times like this highlight the importance of a strong healthcare system to our community. Help to alleviate the unprecedented challenges facing WCHC due to the coronavirus pandemic and take action today. Consider making a donation to support current needs associated with COVID-19 and to ensure the viability of the WCHC for the future. Click here to learn more about the Washington County Hospital Foundation's Healthcare Heroes campaign and the actions you can take to support our hospital, caregivers, and our community.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, and others circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve, infect people and then spread between people. That is the case with COVID-19. Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and commonly cause mild to moderate illness. However, the emergence of Novel (new) coronavirus, COVID-19 has been associated with more severe respiratory illness.
COVID-19 is a new virus strain that is believed to spread in similar ways as the common cold, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk remains low for exposure in the United States. WCHC continues to monitor the developing situation of COVID-19. Established infection prevention protocols will continue to be followed and WCHC staff are prepared to care for patients taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers, visitors, and community.
How to Protect Yourself
You can protect yourself from COVID-19 in the same manner you protect against the common cold or seasonal flu.
Wash your hands frequently. An alcohol-based gel works well in most situations like after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Hand washing with soap and water should be performed after going to the bathroom, before eating, or when your hands are visibly soiled.
Cover your cough/sneeze. Cough or sneeze into your arm, shoulder, or use a tissue. Avoid covering your mouth with your hands, as germs can easily be passed through direct contact with surfaces or people. If you use a tissue, immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Routinely disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, using cleaning spray or disinfectant wipes.
It is advised for individuals who feel sick to use home quarantine or home isolation. Before you go to the doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your symptoms and recent travel. Staff have been trained to assess your symptoms over the phone and will advise you on the appropriate location to receive care.
Stay home if you believe you have been exposed to the virus, even if you are not showing any symptoms.
If you have traveled to a country on the CDC's travel list and feel ill, call your health care provider.
Stay home when you are sick, especially if you have respiratory illness symptoms. At this time, these symptoms are more likely due to the common cold or influenza or other respiratory viruses than to COVID-19. Whether you have the seasonal flu, the common cold, or something else it is important you stay away from others when sick.
Monitor yourself for fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Stay informed
The IDPH and the CDC are continually updating information regarding COVID-19, including everything you need to know about how the virus spreads, how it is treated, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. For additional guidance visit Iowa Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
