Coronavirus FAQ - Hancock Regional Hospital

Working Together to Keep Hancock County Safe

Q: Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: We are following the guidelines of Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). Please visit the ISDH website for more information on where to get the vaccine.

Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine effective?

A: Both the Pfizer (for use in those over 16 years of age) and Moderna (for use in those over 18 years of age) vaccines reported 95% efficacy (effectiveness). These trials were in studies of more than 70,000 people.

Q: What does EUA mean?

A: An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is a mechanism to facilitate the availability and use of medical countermeasures, including vaccines, during public health emergencies, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Under a EUA, FDA may allow the use of unapproved medical products, or unapproved uses of approved medical products in an emergency to diagnose, treat, or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions when certain statutory criteria have been met, including that there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives. Taking into consideration input from the FDA, manufacturers decide whether and when to submit a EUA request to FDA.

Once submitted, FDA evaluates a EUA request and determine whether the relevant statutory criteria are met, taking into account the totality of the scientific evidence about the vaccine that is available to the FDA.

Pfizer received EUA on December 11, 2020. Moderna received EUA on December 18, 2020.

Q: How many doses will I need?

A: The current vaccines are currently needed in two doses. After your first vaccine, you will need to schedule another appointment to receive your second dose. For Pfizer, the second dose will be scheduled in 21 days. For Moderna, it will be 28 days. Our vaccine team will help you schedule your second appointment prior to leaving your first vaccination.

At this time, you may not choose which vaccine you will receive. It will be based on availability at the time of your vaccination. Your vaccinations will not be mixed. Meaning if you receive Pfizer first, your second dose will also be Pfizer. Same for Moderna.

Q: Will the COVID-19 vaccine give you COVID?

A: No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. There are several different types of vaccines in development. However, the goal for each of them is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/about-vaccines/vaccine-myths.html

Q: What is the mRNA vaccine?

A: mRNA, also known as messenger RNA is a new type of vaccine. Many questions have been asked in regards to mRNA, but this new technology is the main reason the COVID-19 vaccine was able to be produced so quickly. Another positive to mRNA vaccines, they do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19. In simple terms, the vaccine you will receive WILL NOT give you the COVID-19 virus.

Q: Should I believe everything I read on social media?

A: No. Please don’t believe everything you see on social media!! You can find credible vaccine information. Before considering vaccine information on the Internet, check that the information comes from a credible source and is updated on a regular basis.

CDC’s vaccines and immunization web content is researched, written and approved by subject matter experts, including physicians, researchers, epidemiologists, and analysts. Content is based on peer-reviewed science. CDC leadership makes the final decision on the words, images and links to best serve the information needs of the public as well as healthcare providers, public health professionals, partners, educators, and researchers. Science and public health data are frequently updated.

For more credible sources, please click here.

Source : https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/evalwebs.htm

Q: Where can I learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: To find additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the links below:

Q: I have questions and am wondering how I know if I have Coronavirus?
A: For questions about the Coronavirus, to reach the COVID-19 hotline, or to learn more about the everyday precautions that can keep you safe, please visit http://www.hancockregional.org/coronavirus/. You may call the COVID-19 hotline at 317.325.COVD (2683) 24/7. It is staffed by healthcare professionals.

Q: Why don’t you just test everyone to see if they have Coronavirus?
A: Unfortunately, there are not enough testing kits in the state of Indiana to test everyone within the general public, even if you are showing symptoms. If you’ve been exposed to someone who tested positive and/or showing symptoms call your primary care provider (PCP) or a Coronavirus hotline (Hancock Health has a 24/7 hotline at 317-325.2683 [COVD] staffed by healthcare professionals) and talk to them about the best course of action. Please DO NOT show up at an ED, Immediate Care or your provider and attempt to be tested.

Q: Should I just come into the ED or Immediate Care if I think I may have Coronavirus?
A: Unless you are completely unable to take care of your symptoms at home, please don’t come to the ED or Immediate Care. You are much more likely going to expose yourself and others to whatever you may have. Remember this still is flu season. It is much safer to call your PCP, call our COVID-19 hotline 24/7 |317.325.2683 [COVD] or sign up online for a virtual visit with a provider. Visit www.myvirtualhealthvisit.org .You do not have to have insurance or be a current patient to use this service.

Q: What if I am sick with non-flu like symptoms?
A: Both of our Immediate Care locations are open and ready to take care of you. You may also call your PCP and see if they can see you virtually, over the phone or maybe even in person.

Q: Is my doctor’s office closed? What do I do if I need my doctor?
A: WE ARE OPEN TO CARE FOR YOU!!! Each of our Hancock Physician Network offices are open and seeing patients. While the way we see patients might look a little bit different with the coronavirus in our midst, we are still here to care for you and meet your healthcare needs.

Please know that your visit may be slightly different than what would be considered normal. But we are not in normal times. Your doctor may not be able to see you in person, but they can do a virtual visit, a phone call and maybe they can see you in person. PLEASE CALL US and let us help make the best choice to care for you.

Both of our Immediate Care locations are also open and ready to take care of you.

Q: I am not sick and tired of being cooped up at home. Can I plan a little get together? Go visit friends? Run a few errands?
A: Don’t plan new plans. If you have them, cancel them! If you’re planning on visiting family and friends or having a party, DON’T. It can wait. Everything we know about this virus tells us that social distancing is imperative. Without the distancing, this will continue to get worse and to the point where we have lost all potential to contain the virus.

Obviously, you will need to leave your house for some things. Please just limit those activities to basics like grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy.

If you do have to go out, wear gloves (mittens, latex, whatever you have) when touching surfaces other people have touched (gas pumps, grocery carts, bank drive-ups, self-checkout aisles, etc.)

Wash your hands frequently and especially after you first come into your home. Make that a habit as the first thing when you walk in.

But really ask yourself before you leave, “Do I need to do this now? Or do I just want to get out of the house because I am stir crazy?” I bet that annual vet check-up can wait for Fido. And let’s hope they are already closed because they are doing their part to flatten the curve.

For more information, click here to read about the importance of “Flattening the Curve”

Q: Can’t we just wait and see how it goes. We are doing more than we ever have before. Surely it is working.
A: It may seem like things are working, but we are already losing this war. Despite that some are putting forth our best efforts today, it must be done by EVERYONE. Not just a few or most, EVERYONE! As of mid-March, it is expected to require at least 10 to 12 of this current state of life. If we don’t, it will get much worse. It is critical to ensure that we don’t completely overwhelm the healthcare industry (and those helping to support us) to the point it crashes and can’t recover. If you aren’t social distancing, and we mean taking it 100% seriously, you are helping us get to this crash very quickly. The faster we flatten the curve the better it is for all of us.

Q: If I get Coronavirus, is there medicine I can take?
A: Unfortunately, there is no medication. This particular strain of Coronavirus is so new, there hasn’t been time to develop a medicinal cure. You can treat symptoms, such as taking OTC medication to reduce fever, like Tylenol, not aspirin/ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.

Q: How do I know if something has Coronavirus “living on it” and how long can it live?
A: You don’t know. You should assume it could be and wipe down counters, appliances, etc. Wash your hands FREQUENTLY for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Avoid touching your face.

Clean things that come into your home with an effective cleaner. We are not saying if you go outside to play, shower and wash your clothes each time you come inside. What we are saying, is if you are around people, at the grocery, the pharmacy, the gas station, work (for those who must still go to work), wash (hands and clothes) and wipe down what comes in from the outside.

We know this virus can live on surfaces for extended periods of time without a host and it is better to be safe than sorry.

Q: What do I do if I have symptoms?
A: If you have symptoms, then self-quarantine immediately. If, as many of us do, live with other people, try to move yourself to a “sick room” where you can be remote/secluded and if possible have a bathroom dedicated just for you.

Utilize virtual health visits [insert link] or COVID call centers for questions and screenings. Hancock Health has a dedicated hotline staffed with healthcare providers 24/7 to help during this time | 317.325. COVD (2683).

If you have self-quarantined and have no other direction from a healthcare provider, you should only leave your “sick room” and home when ALL of the following are true:

No fever for at least 72 hours (3 days) without the aid of fever-reducing medication, Tylenol, not aspirin/ibuprofen or other NSAIDs
Other symptoms have improved
It has been at least 7 days since you started feeling sick

Q: How do I keep the virus out of my home?
FIRST AND FOREMOST, STAY HOME!! If you don’t have the virus and don’t leave your house, you are much less likely to bring it into your home.

Obviously, you will need to leave your house for some things. Please just limit activities outside your home to basics like grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy.

If you do have to go out, wear gloves (mittens, latex, whatever you have) when touching surfaces other people have touched (gas pumps, grocery carts, bank drive-ups, self-checkout aisles, etc.)

Wash your hands frequently and especially after you first come into your home. Make that a habit as the first thing when you walk in.
If you work in an area of high exposure contact, disrobe immediately and take a shower. Do not hug a loved one or put dinner on real quick prior. In the door and straight to the shower.

It may be a good idea to designate a sanitization area somewhere in your home (garage, front porch, hall closet) where you are able to undress in case you have high exposure contact or where you can leave your shoes so that you don’t track germs into your home.

Leave the delivery outside the front door. Be it dinner delivery (which we strongly encourage supporting), grocery delivery, Amazon, etc. Ask them to just leave it on the porch. Call or knock to let you know it arrived. You should limit contact with one another. For the safety of both of you and the people you come in contact with.

And this may sound silly, but don’t use their pens or use your finger to sign an iPad. Because both sick people and healthy people are using delivery services, so you can’t be sure who or what touched that pen last!!! Use your own pen and if you have to electronically sign via your finger – WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING THE FOOD OR DELIVERY!

After your delivery, wash your hands and wipe down your delivered item. If it’s a delivered meal, take all the food contents out of their boxes and containers, place them on a plate, dispose of the containers, wipe down the countertop and then wash your hands one more time before you eat.

Social Media Banners & Graphics

Share these in your social media channels to remind people about social distancing, handwashing, and more—including how to contact Hancock Health if you’re feeling ill.

Social Media Banners:

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Instagram Story

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Social Media Graphics:

Click each image to download, or click here to download all graphics. Suggested social post copy accompanies each image. Includes graphics for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Social Copy: Most viruses spread mainly from person-to-person, which is why it’s so important to avoid large crowds. The @CDC recommends maintaining a distance of six (6) feel when you’re in close contact with others. Thankfully, many of our favorite restaurants are still offering drive-through and carryout options for when craving strikes!

Social Copy: In an effort to flatten the coronavirus curve and minimize the immediate demand on the healthcare system, we encourage you to stay home as much as possible over the coming weeks. Consider adopting a family book club, planning a board game night, or adding in daily fitness video to adjust to your new routine!

Social Copy: Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms, please call Hancock County’s 24/7 Coronavirus Hotline at 1.317.325.COVD (2683) or email nurse@hancockregional.org.

OR:

COVID-19 symptoms include a cough, fever and shortness of breath. If someone has any of those symptoms and isn’t tested, they should isolate themselves. The @CDC says those who are isolating themselves and not being tested can discontinue isolation after they’ve had no fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers, AND at least seven (7) days after their first symptoms appeared.

Social Copy: To stop the spread of germs, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. The @CDC recommends using a tissue if there’s one available, then tossing it into a covered waste bucket and washing your hands. If you can’t find a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve—not your hand!

Social Copy: Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Try making it fun by singing “Happy Birthday” twice!

Social Copy: DYK: The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to it? By staying away from people who are ill, you greatly reduce your likelihood of getting sick. Let’s be honest: Social distancing is difficult! Minimize the frustration of not being able to see your loved ones in person by turning to technology. Catch Sunday’s church service on a live stream, plan a FaceTime call with a friend down the road, or pull out your favorite stationary and send some snail mail. By working together, even when apart, we can improve the health of our community.

Social Copy: Protect yourself from illness by cleaning your frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, desks, faucets, and—you guessed it—your cell phone! Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Just make sure you’re using disinfectants appropriate for the surface. The @CDC has additional recommendations about household cleaners on their website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html.

Social Copy: Although there haven’t been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, the @CDC recommends that people with the virus limit contact with animals until more is known. In the meantime, it never hurts to stock up on an extra bag of pet food!

Social Copy: Perhaps the most challenging aspect of social or physical distancing is maintaining contact with your loved ones. Thankfully, technology can help you offer greetings from a safe distance! Here are three ways to easily connect during this time:

Write a handwritten note to a loved one and drop it in the mail.
Video chat with a loved one! Those with a smartphone can use FaceTime while others are able to video chat through a computer using Skype or Facebook Messenger.
Pick up the phone and call your loved one.

How are you staying connected with your loved ones while you @StayIN?

Social Copy: As part of your everyday prevention actions, the @CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects. High touch surfaces include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and more. For more on how to properly clean and disinfect your spaces, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/disinfecting-your-home.html