What is the criteria for testing?
In Michigan, we want anyone who needs a test to get one. Anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, even those who are fully vaccinated or have already had COVID-19. There are many locations to get tested at no cost.
While Henry Ford Health has strict criteria on who can be tested at each Henry Ford location, there are other non-hospital healthcare facilities that provide testing. These sites can be found on the Michigan.gov website.
Who decides criteria for testing?
The CDC provides guidance on who should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments or healthcare providers.
Where can I be tested?
State of Michigan Testing
To locate a State of Michigan COVID-19 testing site, please visit Michigan.gov. Established Henry Ford Health patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 can call their primary care provider for advice and next steps on how to get tested.
My work wants me to get tested, where can I go?
To locate a State of Michigan COVID-19 testing site, please visit Michigan.gov.
Established Henry Ford Health patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 can call their primary care provider for advice and next steps on how to get tested.
Can Henry Ford Health provide return-to-work letters for people who are not current patients?
We do not provide return-to-work letters for those we have not evaluated. Lab testing, including testing for COVID-19, is done based on clinical evaluation and will not be performed at the request of an employer for an employee to return to work. Healthcare systems are concentrating on caring for the most ill patients and may not be able to provide work and daycare clearance letters to people not currently under our care.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and/or diarrhea. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor and self-isolate from family until it is determined whether you have COVID-19.
Can I get sick if I haven’t met anyone infected with COVID-19?
Yes, it is possible. The virus can travel from person to person without causing symptoms in some people. One of those people could still infect someone, and that person could show symptoms. This is called community spread and is one of the reasons government officials recommend social distancing and mask usage.
What is the incubation period after exposure?
The incubation period is 2 to 14 days after exposure.
If I develop COVID-19 symptoms, how long do the symptoms last?
Symptoms can last from 7 to14 days for mild to moderate cases that do not require hospitalization.
What can I take to help with COVID-19 symptoms?
You can take Tylenol and over-the-counter cold or cough suppressants that contain guaifenesin or dextromethorphan. If these are ineffective, we recommend a virtual visit (e-visit, video visit, telephone visit) with your doctor since there may be prescription options.
How long will you test positive after getting COVID-19?
This may vary depending on the person and their ability to fight off the virus.
Like the flu or a common cold, can you be infected again after recovering from COVID-19?
Cases of reinfection of COVID-19 have been reported. In general, reinfection means a person was infected (got sick) once, recovered, and then later became infected again. Based on what we know from similar viruses, some reinfections are expected.
What should I know about the Omicron variant? How can I prepare?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified a new variant of COVID-19 named “Omicron.” While it was originally reported by South Africa, many other nations have now detected the variant in their populations. We do not yet know much about the variant, but scientists are studying it and will learn more over the next few weeks. It shares the same mutations as the Delta variant and because of this, it appears to be highly transmissible. This means it may be easy to spread from person to person. There are other genetic changes but the significance is not yet clear. The best way to prepare yourself and your loved ones for new variants like Omicron is for everyone aged five and older to get vaccinated. If you are eligible for a booster, get your booster shot. Wear a mask in public settings, wash your hands often and social distance whenever possible. Keep your immune system strong by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and staying active. These are the best ways to keep yourself and your family safe. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and away from others and get tested, even if you have been vaccinated. Information about testing, vaccinations and boosters are available on this web site.
What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?
ISOLATION is a term used to separate people already infected with COVID-19 from those that are not infected, while QUARANTINE is a term used for those that have been in close contact for a period of time greater than 15 minutes with someone that has COVID-19.
When do I need to isolate?
If you have COVID-19, you need to separate yourself from others so you don’t spread the virus. You should stay home, stay in a separate room of the house, avoid contact with other people in the house, don’t share personal items and wear a mask when you are in contact with others.
When do I need to quarantine?
According to the CDC, if you are fully vaccinated and do not have symptoms of COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine, but should consider getting tested 3-5 days after exposure and wearing a mask when indoors. Those that have not been vaccinated should stay home for 14 days after last contact with the person with COVID-19 and watch for symptoms.
How long do I need to self-isolate if I have been exposed and had symptoms, but they are now gone?
Once your symptoms are completely resolved -- meaning no fevers for 24 hours without a fever-reducing medication and zero symptoms for 3 days -- you may end your self-isolation.
If I have been exposed, but tested negative, do I have to remain in quarantine?
No, but we encourage everyone to continue wearing masks, practice social distancing, avoid public or private gatherings with large numbers of people and practice good hand hygiene. We also encourage those who meet the criteria to get tested for COVID-19.
If I live with someone who has/had the coronavirus, am I also going to get sick?
Getting vaccinated is the number one way to prevent getting sick or hospitalized with COVID-19. Additionally, following the CDC guidelines for social distancing and mask usage can lessen the likelihood of getting sick.
If I’m traveling internationally by air, do I need to get a COVID-19 test before I come home? Should I quarantine or test again when I return?
The travel restrictions are changing regularly. Please refer to this website for the most up-to-date information.
If I feel sick and need to see a doctor, what do I do?
If you have coronavirus symptoms like a fever of or above 100.4 F or chills / sweats, or TWO OR MORE new symptoms in last 3 days such as a fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, or loss of taste or sense of smell, call your primary care doctor. If you are a Henry Ford patient, connect with your doctor using MyChart either through:
- An E-visit using the online form to explain your symptoms. Your doctor will respond within one business day.
How do I know when I need to go to the ER?
Most people can stay at home to recover from the infection; however, if you have any signs of difficulty breathing or distress, you should go to the nearest ER.
How will I know if my breathing is severely affected?
If your breathing is severely affected, it will be difficult to take a breath or you will feel short of breath. For example, if you are normally active, and you are out of breath climbing to the top of stairs for more than a few seconds, or if you’re out of breath doing housework or walking on flat ground for a block, your breathing has been affected.
Are your hospitals restricting visitors?
To help ensure the safety of our patients, team members and the communities we serve, temporary visitor restrictions may be in place at Henry Ford Health facilities. Please refer to our visitor restriction page for current information.
Are you screening visitors?
Visitors are being screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 before entering Henry Ford hospitals and medical centers. Masks are required for all visitors in our facilities.
Are you screening employees?
To help protect everyone, staff entering any of our locations will complete screening questions.
Is it safe for me to deliver my baby at a Henry Ford Health hospital?
Henry Ford Health hospitals are well-equipped to care for you and your baby. Our staff is following local, state, and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and recommendations regarding caring for patients requiring obstetrical care.
Right now, COVID-19 appears to infect infants and children much less than the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions, and people with weakened immune systems. For more information, talk to your OB doctor about your concerns and options.
Is it okay to pick up prescriptions?
Yes, you can safely pick up prescriptions, but maintain a 6-foot space between you and other people. Use pick-up windows, curbside pickup or mail delivery if those options are available. You will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and be required to wear a mask while in a Henry Ford Facility.
What should I do if I have an appointment and am experiencing flu or COVID symptoms?
If you are experiencing flu or COVID symptoms, or a have a recent COVID diagnosis or exposure and are being seen for flu, COVID or another urgent health issue, please keep this appointment. If your visit can wait until your symptoms get better, please contact the office by phone or use MyChart to reschedule your appointment or change to a virtual visit if available. All patients and visitors will be screened at the point of entry to the building for COVID symptoms. Masks must be worn covering nose and mouth at all Henry Ford facilities.
What can I do to help protect myself from the virus?
The most important way to protect yourself from the virus is to get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 12 or older, you can schedule your appointment using MyChart.
You should also protect yourself by using these health hygiene practices that are recommended by the CDC to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to COVID-19.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or into our sleeve – not your hands. Throw away the tissue in the trash.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Monitor Your health daily. Be alert for symptoms and respond quickly if they develop.
