COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness causing symptoms similar to a cold, the flu, or pneumonia.
Overview
COVID-19 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2) comes from the coronavirus family, a large classification of viruses estimated to cause roughly one-third of all cases of the common cold.
COVID-19 generally causes symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. There may be different or additional symptoms depending on the variant.
Home tests are available to check if you have COVID-19, or you can also get a test done at a pharmacy, doctor’s office, or other location.
Our approach
If you are generally healthy, you can take care of yourself at home usign common remedies such as rest, hydration, over-the-counter fever and pain reducers, and cough medicine. You should stay home and isolate yourself as much as possible to prevent spreading the illness to others..
If you have COVID-19 and are more likely to get very sick due to pre-existing conditions, medications and therapy is available to help.
M Health Fairview currently offers several COVID-19 therapies that are available for use. While the COVID-19 vaccine remains the most effective pre-infection protection against the virus, these treatments are recommended for certain groups, including individuals with pre-existing conditions that increase their risk of severe illness.
Paxlovid, an antiviral pill can help people with COVID-19 by preventing severe complications or hospitalization.
If you have questions about whether vaccination is right for you or your child, please submit an eVisit or make an appointment to discuss options.
How to Prevent Yourself From Getting COVID-19
While the COVID-19 vaccine offers the best protection, you can also take steps to avoid exposure to the virus from others. We recommend:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose; before eating or preparing food; or after using the restroom.
- If you’re unable to wash your hands with soap, use hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in a lined trash can.
COVID-19 Vaccines Are Available
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine formula for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season.
M Health Fairview is currently transitioning to the updated vaccine formulation. During this transition period, COVID-19 vaccine appointments are temporarily unavailable.
We expect to offer the updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available. Please check back on our website for updates regarding vaccine availability and scheduling.
If you currently have a COVID-19 vaccine appointment scheduled, our care teams will contact you if your appointment is affected.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Pregnant Women and Children
M Health Fairview continues to support vaccination for pregnant individuals and children in line with recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). These leading medical organizations strongly support vaccination for these groups as a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness.
