COVID-19

COVID-19

From the onset of the pandemic and post, Alivio is continuing its commitment to help our patients and community understand COVID-19 through testing, resources, and education.

What is COVID-19?

As outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly. Over one million people have died from COVID-19 in the United States.

COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.

Some people including those with minor or no symptoms will develop Post-COVID Conditions – also called “Long COVID.”

How does COVID-19 spread?

According to the CDC, COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in these droplets and particles, or these droplets and particles can land on their eyes, nose, or mouth. In some circumstances, these droplets may contaminate surfaces they touch.

Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms.

How to protect yourself against COVID-19

The CDC recommends practicing basic health and hygiene practices like handwashing or covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Additional prevention actions include improving ventilation, staying home if you feel unwell, getting tested if you suspect you have or have been exposed to COVID-19, and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines are available at Alivio.

Safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines are available for everyone 6 months and older. Recommendations for the vaccine are based on age, time since last dose, and sometimes based on first vaccine received. Side effects after COVID-19 are common, however, severe allergic reactions are rare. Patients who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should consult with their physician on specific vaccine considerations. Alivio follows state and local public health guidance when determining vaccine eligibility.

Important considerations before scheduling:

• If you have had a Covid-19 Positive test, you must wait 10 days before getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
• If you have recently tested for Covid 19, you should have a negative result prior to getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
• Patients making appointments should notify schedulers of any symptoms and wear a Kn95 mask upon arrival. 

Please continue to practice masking, hand hygiene, and best practices when coughing or sneezing!

Why is it important for our Latino communities to get the vaccine?

Many of Alivio’s communities—people working in essential roles— are often those at highest risk for the worst negative outcomes of this disease. We are strongly advocating for vaccination of our communities and are here to provide education, science based information, support and resources so that you may receive the vaccine.

Please see the following fact sheet to learn more about the benefits, safety and importance of the Covid-19 vaccine:

• CDC Covid-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet
• Moderna EUA Fact Sheet (Revised 1/31/22)
• Pfizer EUA Fact Sheet (Revised 4/28/23)