COVID-19 Resources
Southwest Denver Resources
Below you will find a collection of information, testing locations and resources for residents of Southwest Denver.
How To Protect Your Family From COVID-19
COVID-19 can affect everyone. Up to 40% of adults with COVID-19 do not show symptoms and may unknowingly spread the virus. More and more children, teens, and young adults have COVID-19 with serious symptoms and are bringing it home to their family. By following the guidelines below you can empower your loved ones to guard against COVID-19 and protect the health of EVERYONE.
Resources on Vaccination
If you're vaccinated and likely not to be affected by a disease, you will also lower the chance that you spread the disease to those you love, or to those who are vulnerable.
A vaccine has the same germs that cause disease, but the germs have been killed or weakened, so that you won't get sick. That way your body learns to fight the weak version of the disease and has a better chance of fighting the full-blown disease.
COVID-19 and the flu together could really hurt communities and overwhelm hospitals. Vaccinate, so that we can do everything we can to protect our loved ones.
Video: How to Get the Vaccine if You’re 70 or Older
State of Colorado: Find Out When You’re Eligible to Get Vaccinated
Vaccine Distribution Plan: English | Spanish
Get Tested
If you are feeling sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, it is important that you go get tested right away for peace of mind and to protect others.
How To Quarantine When You Think You Have COVID-19
If you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should go get tested and then quarantine. Quarantining keeps you from spreading the virus unknowingly. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, quarantine for 14 days or until you get a negative COVID-19 test.
The best way to quarantine is to stay at home. That isn't always realistic. So if possible, do not visit crowded places, like super markets or public transportation. If you do leave the house, social distance (at least 6 feet), wash your hands, and wear a mask to protect others.
What To Do if You Have COVID-19?
So you have a positive COVID-19 test. Ask your health care provider if and how you can take care of yourself at home. If you are able to stay home, see the back of this of handout for how to isolate. You can also call the Denver Health Nurse line 303-739-1211. Press “2” for Spanish and press “3” for any other language.
Thousands of people have had COVID-19 in the U.S. You aren't alone, and it's ok to tell people you have it. Protect your community by letting people know they may have come in contact with COVID-19.
How To Isolate When You Have COVID-19
Stay home and stay isolated until you have ALL of these indicators of health!
Monitor your symptoms. If they are getting worse, it is time to call 911.
- At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
- At least 24 hrs with no fever without using any medication for reducing a fever (like tylenol).
- Your symptoms have improved.
How To Treat COVID-19
It is your right to ask about the latest treatments for COVID-19. Currently, you should ask specifically if remdesivir and/or dexamethasone are treatment options for them. At this time, anyone with low oxygen is a candidate but there are some underlying medical conditions that might increase the risk of adverse effects with either medication. Patients should ask why they aren't being treated with one or othe other if hospitalized. Convalesent plasma is currently more controversial and there aren't firm data that it's truly efficacious. However for most people the risk is low so that's why i included it and I think patients should be empowered to ask about this too. Some over the counter medicine can be harmful for people with underlying medical conditions. Treatment of symptoms with over the counter medications may help you feel better but that you should always check with your provider if it is safe if you have other medical problems, are on other medications.
How To Pay for COVID-19
We’ve compiled a list of resources to help with COVID-19 related costs (food, housing, etc.) Is there a resource we missed?
What if health care is not an option?
In Colorado, Emergency Medicaid will cover the costs of going to the emergency room and being hospitalized with COVID-19. Once you leave the hospital, Emergency Medicaid will cover oxygen and 2 primary care visits. Emergency medicaid is available for uninsured and or individuals without status.
How to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
A few things to know about contact tracing.
- Letting people know they have been exposed to COVID-19 allows them to take steps to get ahead of the virus and protect others as well.
- Your information is being used to track the virus and for no other reason.
- When you work with a contract tracer, you're helping your community prosper and stay safe.
Self Care During COVID-19
Managing Your Current Health Conditions
Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease, and being immunocompromised can make COVID-19 worse (even deadly) for people living with these conditions. Connect with a doctor now to make a plan to manage your health. A complete plan should include nutrition, exercise, necessary medicines, and other healthy habits. However, you don't have to have a complete plan to get started. Five minutes for your body and mind can go a long way to manage stress, even when you're short on time and resources.
Take Care of Your Body
Try to exercise, if only for a few minutes a day. Exercise can take many forms, including walking your dog, dancing to some music while you do chores, or gardening. It helps with stress, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure. Talk to your health care provider about exercise that is right for your health and body type.
Take Care of Your Mind
COVID-19 is hitting everyone really hard. Manage worry by taking a walk, taking a few deep breaths, talking to someone you trust. If you're not able to sleep or are feeling worried or sad most of the time, seek professional care. Social connection is important for feeling happy and well. Carve out time to talk with loved ones and people you care about, even though it's at a distance. Read more about maintaining your mental health during COVID-19.
Mental Health
Overall Self-Care