Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a virus known as 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It is an illness that was first found in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It has since spread to other countries. It can cause difficulty breathing, cough, sore throat, fever, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache or new loss of smell or taste. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia. 

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses. They can cause more serious illnesses like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The 2019-nCoV is called a novel coronavirus. That's because it's a new type that has not been seen in people before. 

Viruses like these may spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing and through direct contact.

The best way to protect yourself from getting sick is to: 

• Stay educated and follow the CDC guidelines for the latest information. 
• Avoid areas where there is an outbreak. 
• Avoid contact with people who may be infected. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizers with an alcohol level of 60% or greater if soap and water is not available. 
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands. 

To help avoid spreading the virus to others: 

• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash. 
• Use a disinfectant to clean things that you touch often. 
• Stay home if you are sick. 
• Wear face coverings in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
• To prevent exposure to others, individuals who are experiencing respiratory symptoms are encouraged to call their healthcare provider prior to arriving at a healthcare facility.

If you are concerned you have symptoms, call your Parkview Physicians Group office or call 877-PPG-TODAY for a free phone screening to be directed to appropriate care.

More information on COVID-19, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on the CDC website. Information can also be found on the Allen County Department of Health website or by calling the department’s COVID-19 hotline at 260-449-4499.

The following links will provide you with up-to-date COVID-19 resources: 

• CDC
• Indiana State Department of Health
• Allen County Department of Health

The following COVID-19 resources from Parkview are also available:

• COVID-19 Symptom Checker
• Virtual Video Visit Options
• Facility & Service Updates
• Resources for Businesses
• Parkview Blog
• Parkview Newsroom

Emergency use of monoclonal antibodies, laboratory-made molecules that mimic the immune system's ability to fight pathogens such as viruses, has been authorized by the FDA. This therapy is available to patients who meet criteria as outlined in the Emergency Use Authorization granted by the FDA.

Learn more about monoclonal antibody treatment and criteria.

Ivermectin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use to treat infections caused by internal and external parasites. Ivermectin is also available to treat certain animal conditions.

Is ivermectin effective in preventing or treating a COVID-19 infection?

Many medications, including ivermectin, are currently being studied for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. However, currently available data do not show any benefit of ivermectin in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The research study that was published claiming ivermectin works against COVID-19 infection has since been retracted due to ethical concerns of false and made-up data. Due to the lack of evidence, the FDA has not authorized or approved ivermectin for use in preventing or treating COVID-19.

Additionally, national organizations of doctors and pharmacists strongly oppose the prescribing or dispensing of ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19 due to the lack of evidence and due to rising safety concerns.

Concerns with safety

There’s a lot of misinformation circulating around, and you may have heard that if your doctor does not want to prescribe ivermectin, it's okay to take large doses of animal ivermectin. It is not okay. Use of animal ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans is not only not effective, it's dangerous.  Overdosing on ivermectin can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions (itching and hives), dizziness, ataxia (problems with balance), seizures, coma and even death.

Animal ivermectin products are very different from those approved for humans. Animal drugs are often highly concentrated because they are used for large animals like horses and cows, which weigh a lot more than humans do. Such high doses can be highly toxic in humans. Moreover, the FDA reviews drugs not just for safety and effectiveness of the active ingredients, but also for the inactive ingredients. Many inactive ingredients found in products for animals aren’t evaluated for use in people, or they are included in much greater amount than those used in people. We don't know how those inactive ingredients will affect humans. Never use medications intended for animals on yourself or other people.

The most effective way to beat COVID-19 is to limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes getting a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you, wearing a face mask indoors and/or in crowded settings, frequently washing your hands, and social distancing.

Talk to your Parkview provider about available COVID-19 vaccines and treatment options. Your provider can help determine the best option for you, based on your health history.

To view the latest visitor restriction information, visit the Facility & Service Updates page.

Q: Will exceptions be made to visitor restrictions in Family Birthing Centers?

A: To protect all patients and staff, the visitor restrictions are strictly enforced in Family Birthing Centers. Additional, non-Parkview caregivers will be considered visitors at this time.

Q: Will exceptions be made to visitor restrictions in end-of-life situations?
A: Exceptions to allow authorize visitation for compassionate care will be determined on an individual basis.

Q: I am experiencing symptoms. What should I do?
A: If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you have been exposed, use our interactive COVID-19 Symptom Checker. You may also call your Parkview Physicians Group office or 1-877-PPG-TODAY for guidance. If you think you might be experiencing a severe medical event, call 911 or go to the Emergency Department immediately.

Q: How likely is it that someone without symptoms can spread COVID-19?
A: Some people who have COVID-19 don’t have any symptoms. That’s called being asymptomatic. There have been reports that these people may be able to pass the virus to others. That’s another reason why it’s important to keep following social distancing guidelines and stay at least 6 feet away from others.

People with COVID-19 seem to be most contagious when they have symptoms like a fever and a cough.

Q: If I come to the hospital for other care concerns, am I going to be exposed to COVID-19?
A: Parkview Health has implemented multiple precautionary measures to minimize any exposure for patients, visitors and staff. This includes visitor restrictions, enhanced cleaning procedures, screening protocols, social distancing measures and staggering appointments to minimize the number of people in our facilities. For non-emergent medical issues, virtual visits are an option. If you have a scheduled appointment with one of our providers, you will be notified if your appointment will be virtual.

Q: Are you accepting homemade masks?
A: After receiving more than 40,000 cloth face mask donations, Parkview Health is concluding its mask-making program and encouraging community members to donate to other organizations in need. 

Q: Do you accept donations of PPE?
A: Parkview Health is not accepting donations of PPE at this time and is encouraging the donation of unused PPE to other organizations in need.

Q: Can I donate food to hospital staff?
A: Please direct all food donation questions to fooddonations@parkview.com.

Q: How can I make a monetary contribution?
A: Visit Ways to Help to donate to Parkview Foundations to help fund programs, research and innovations at Parkview hospitals.

Q: Can I donate blood safely during the COVID-19 outbreak?
A: The American Red Cross is in critical need of blood donations as COVID-19 is causing serious shortages in blood supply.

If you are well and meet the donor guidelines, you can donate blood. This is true even if you live in an area with a shelter-in-place order, according to the American Red Cross.

Blood donations help save lives. The need is especially urgent because many blood drives have been canceled over fears about COVID-19.

Donation sites are taking extra steps to keep you safe. For example, they’re doing extra disinfecting of equipment and spacing chairs at least 6 feet apart. They also are checking temperatures and the overall health of donors and the staff members who draw the blood.

Visit redcrossblood.org for information on how you can donate.