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 206-785-2631Y 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

Among outpatient infusion therapies are monoclonal antibodies, laboratory-made molecules that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight pathogens such as viruses. These therapies are available to patients who meet criteria as outlined in their Emergency Use Authorizations granted by the FDA, and when the medications are in supply. Outpatient infusions to treat COVID-19 are by referral only.

Please contact your healthcare provider to determine your eligibility.

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.