This post was updated on January 30th, 2023 at 09:39 AM
- What is COVID-19?
- COVID-19 antiviral therapy
- UCHealth Visitation policy
- What you should do if you think you have COVID-19
- Helpful information for patients and the public
- Information for community providers
- Interested in providing in-kind donations related to COVID-19? Learn how you can help.
COVID-19 cases and test positivity rates continue to change in our state. Here is the most recent information by county according to the CDC.
To help protect everyone in our facilities, patients, visitors and UCHealth staff must wear a mask at all times, unless eating or drinking, in all public and patient-care areas. People may also want to consider wearing a mask in the community, especially if they have a weakened immune system or are over 60 years old.
Number of patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infections in UCHealth’s hospitals
Check Your Symptoms
Please call the clinic or schedule a Virtual Visit if any of these apply to you:
- Have been in contact with someone who tested positive for, or had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days OR
- New cough, fever or shortness of breath in the last 72 hours OR
- Two or more of these symptoms that are new in the last 72 hours: Chills, muscle aches, severe headache, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of smell or loss of taste.
Use this free tool from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CDC’s COVID-19 Symptom Checker
Virus mutations
Scientists continue to identify new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. This is not uncommon as respiratory viruses can change often. Studies have shown that vaccines remain effective against variants.
The best way to protect yourself and others from new versions of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated, continue wearing a mask, social distancing and wash your hands often.
From BQ to XBB: What you need to know about the newest, ‘extremely contagious’ COVID-19 variants. Get your booster now.
These new variants are extremely contagious, “barking at the heels of measles, and that is quite a remarkable level of transmission.”
Is the BA.5 COVID-19 subvariant super contagious?
To help you understand what is going on with COVID-19 now and what the BA.5 subvariant is, we consulted with Dr. Michelle Barron, UCHealth’s senior medical director of infection prevention and control.
New omicron-specific COVID-19 boosters are coming this fall. What you need to know.
Get answers to your questions about the newest COVID-19 booster shots and to learn more about who should get them.
If you get sick with COVID-19 now, what are the newest treatments and medications?
Coronavirus care has come a long way since early 2020, and advice from doctors is clear now. Don’t suffer at home. If you test positive for COVID-19 and you’re in a high-risk group, call your doctor and get help as quickly as possible.
Long COVID mental health challenges require specialized treatment
Even as the number of COVID-19 cases declines, many patients are left with long COVID mental health symptoms – often in combination with medical problems.
Is the omicron BA.2 variant a concern?
The BA.2 variant, the newest COVID-19 strain, continues to account for a high percentage of cases in the United States. Is BA.2 a concern? And how worried should you be?
Should you get an additional COVID-19 booster shot? How to decide.
Should you get a booster dose? Which immunocompromised people are eligible for extra doses? What’s the best timing to get an additional COVID-19 booster dose? UCHealth experts provide answers.
A study uses data from electronic health records to form a definition of long COVID
A study by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus used electronic health records to answer a still difficult question: just what is long COVID? The work also will help recruit patients for a major study of the condition.
Long COVID physical challenges require time and patience to rehabilitate
Long COVID patients struggling with physical problems like chronic fatigue, pain and sleeplessness benefit from a multispecialty plan of care from sympathetic providers.
Chest pain after COVID-19 among concerning symptoms
COVID-19 can exacerbate underlying heart conditions, but long COVID symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath also affect young, previously healthy people.
Making sense of coronavirus vaccine boosters
Confused about COVID-19 vaccine boosters? Guidance changed with respect to coronavirus boosting, particularly among the immunocompromised.
People get help for a variety of confusing symptoms of long COVID
From “COVID brain” to extreme fatigue, how drawn-out are varying symptoms of long COVID, and how are people getting help?
Everything you need to know about rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests
At-home COVID-19 tests, also known as rapid antigen tests, are convenient and accessible. But be careful. The test results often are wrong. Learn when and how to use the tests.
Booster shots are the best protection against omicron
People who receive boosters are nearly 50 times less likely to be hospitalized if they get COVID-19, according to the newest research.
COVID-19: What we’ve learned since the beginning of the pandemic
As the coronavirus pandemic enters its third year, we’ve learned a lot. There have been misses – and big hits.
Omicron may spread faster than highly transmissible delta. What you need to know about the new omicron COVID-19 variant.
To help answer your questions about omicron, we consulted with the experts at UCHealth.
‘I didn’t think the COVID could take limbs’
Candice Davis was 30 when she became infected with COVID-19 and had to endure partial amputation of four limbs.
Positive for COVID-19? How monoclonal antibodies help people stay out of the hospital.
While vaccination provides excellent protection from COVID-19, if you end up with the coronavirus, monoclonal antibodies can shorten the duration of the disease while cutting the chance of ending up in the hospital by 70%.
Pregnant and dying of COVID-19: ‘Miracle mom’ and baby survive thanks to unprecedented double surgeries
Young COVID-19 survivor pleads with pregnant women to immediately get vaccinated. ‘“If I would have heard a story like mine, there’s no doubt I would have walked right in and gotten the vaccine.”
COVID-19 vaccine approved for children ages 5 to 11. Get answers to your questions.
Now that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for kids, here’s everything parents need to know about COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5 to 11.
From mix-and-match vaccines to Moderna half-doses, what’s new with COVID-19 booster shots?
New COVID-19 booster shot recommendations allow mix-and-match vaccines and long-awaited boosters for Moderna and J&J recipients.
How to regain your sense of taste and smell after COVID-19
Powerfully aromatic and flavorful foods like ginger, peppermint and peanut butter can help you get your sense of smell and taste back. So can strongly-scented essential oil.
Next up for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials: children as young as 6 months
COVID-19 vaccines will be tested on babies as young as 6 months by the end of October in Colorado as clinical trials for life-saving COVID-19 vaccines continue.
Urgent warning for pregnant women: Get your COVID-19 vaccines.
Newest data are showing how dangerous COVID-19 can be during pregnancy. Experts explain why pregnant and breastfeeding women should get the COVID-19 vaccines and what could happen if they don’t.
Millions of Americans now can get COVID-19 booster shots. Everything you need to know.
The new recommendations for COVID-19 booster shots come as the highly contagious delta variant has sparked a dangerous new wave of infections and deaths across the U.S.
Treatment for those sick with COVID-19 have progressed, but vaccines still paramount
Outpatient monoclonal antibodies, inpatient IL-6 receptor antagonists have improved COVID-19 care.
VR technology successfully distracts patient during her vaccination
Amy Watanabe is proud to have finally gotten her COVID-19 vaccination, but it took a team supporting her and virtual reality technology to get her past her fear of needles.
Do not self-prescribe ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19
“It’s not an antiviral drug. It’s not designed or meant to be a treatment for COVID-19. … Trust your healthcare provider not social media for your healthcare decisions.”
How will you know if you’ve got a breakthrough infection of COVID-19?
Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 are rare, but on the rise as the highly transmissible delta variant causes a dramatic increase in positive cases of COVID-19.
The ‘twindemic:’ when flu season and spiking COVID-19 cases collide
In a twindemic, we would face two pandemics at the same time: spikes in cases of COVID-19 and a simultaneous, rough flu season.
COVID-19 and kids: answering the most important questions
As COVID-19 infections increase in children — right as the new school year begins — a UCHealth pediatrician answers some of the most common questions about kids and COVID-19.
Coronavirus boosters for fully vaccinated are coming soon for everyone. Why?
The answer is data from here and abroad.
FDA gives full approval of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, boosting confidence in lifesaving vaccines
Extra protection: Medical providers work fast to give a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable patients
Three COVID-19 vaccine doses now will be standard for about 3% of the U.S. population, which are the country’s most immunosuppressed patients.
Infertility and COVID-19 vaccines: Get the facts
Misinformation about infertility and COVID-19 vaccines has prevented countless young women from getting vaccines.
UCHealth requires COVID-19 vaccines for all employees
Throughout the pandemic and always, UCHealth’s top priority is keeping patients, employees and visitors safe.
New CU-led study seeks volunteers to help military spot COVID-19 early
BioIntelliSense’s BioSticker, artificial intelligence codeveloped at UCHealth, set the table for $2.8 million, 10-month Department of Defense-funded study.
Vaccines for adults: What to know
With the next school year fast approaching, many parents are reviewing their children’s vaccination records. But what about adults’ vaccination schedules?
UCHealth to require COVID-19 vaccination for all employees
Policy will increase safety and protection for all patients, visitors, staff and medical providers.
Federal health experts soon could approve COVID-19 booster shots for immunocompromised people
The COVID-19 delta variant and masks: Should you wear a mask again?
Health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention once again are advising fully vaccinated people to wear masks indoors in places where the delta variant is spreading fast. What should you do?
Video: Why COVID-19 vaccines are safe and recommended for pregnant women
Dr. Anna Euser is a maternal-fetal medicine expert and a mom. She was pregnant when she received her COVID-19 vaccines. She recommends COVID-19 vaccines for all of her patients. Learn why.
New Moderna clinical trial for children’s COVID-19 vaccines to launch in early August
Researchers will begin testing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine first on children ages 6 to 11, then eventually and toddlers as young as 6 months.
Should people with autoimmune diseases get the COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccination may briefly influence medication timing in patients with rheumatic disease, but the benefits vastly outweigh any risks, says the CU School of Medicine’s rheumatology chief.
How to stop day drinking and change bad pandemic habits related to alcohol use and abuse
Alcohol use spiked during the pandemic. If you have been drinking too much during the day — or anytime — we’ve got four simple strategies to help you ditch unhealthy drinking.
Vaccines work well against COVID-19 Delta variant
The Delta variant is sweeping the planet. It is roughly 50% more contagious than the Alpha variant, which itself was roughly 50% more contagious than the “original” coronavirus strains.
A convenient way to verify vaccinations and COVID-19 test results
Whether needed for travel, returning to work or enjoying a concert, proof of COVID-19 tests and vaccines is easily accessible through My Health Connection.
COVID-19 vaccine trial for children under age 12 launching at Children’s Hospital Colorado
Doctors at Children’s Colorado plan to test the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine this summer on children ages 5 to 11. Later, the team is expected to test the vaccine on babies and children, ages 6 months to 4 years old.
Losing weight gained during the COVID-19 pandemic
Americans jokingly have referred to weight gained during the pandemic as “quarantine 15,’’ similar to the “freshman 15’’ that college students sometimes gain in their first year away from home.
Maternal-fetal medicine expert and new mom urges pregnant women to get COVID-19 vaccines
Should pregnant women get COVID-19 vaccines? Dr. Anna Euser responds with a resounding and enthusiastic “yes.”
COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens could help defeat the coronavirus
Teens who are 16 and 17 already can walk in and get COVID-19 vaccines. Approval for those ages 12 to 15 is expected soon. Walk-in vaccine clinics should make vaccines for children and teens a breeze for parents.
Doctors safely administer heparin alternative to treat patient with blood clots related to J&J vaccine
The published case study aims to help other physicians identify and treat a rare condition.
COVID-19 booster shots: What you need to know
The need for COVID-19 booster shots will depend on how long initial protection lasts and viral variants’ ability to evade vaccine-based immunity going forward.
To mask or not to mask outdoors? Charting a path through coronavirus guidelines.
CDC, state and local rules and recommendations differ. Here’s how to approach them.
The pandemic has devastated too many families, even hers
Dr. Michelle Barron is a top infectious disease expert, but even her family suffered tragic deaths from COVID-19. She’s begging people to protect their loved ones now.
Want to achieve herd immunity? Get vaccinated.
A lot is happening on the vaccine front. To sort it out, UCHealth Today reached out to a vaccine specialist about the COVID vaccine and herd immunity.
Family, faith and friends combine to turn back cancer and COVID-19
Robert Plick battled through three bouts of cancer, heart failure and a COVID-19 infection. From home to hospital, he had plenty of helping hands.
In Colorado first, UCHealth COVID-19 patient receives double lung transplant
Bryan Raymond, 37, of Montana, survived 84 days on a lung machine. This story of a COVID-19 patient who received a double lung transplant is one of endurance and unflagging support.
Recovering from the pandemic: 5 ways to restore human connections
As communities open up again, many people who have dealt with anxiety and depression during the pandemic are hungry for human connections.
Should I travel? Understanding risks and how to plan for air travel during COVID.
Is air travel safe? What planning do I need to do? Is a ‘vaccine passport’ required? Get all the information on air travel during a pandemic here in one place.
COVID-19 vaccine side effects are normal. What to expect when you get your vaccine.
It’s normal for many people who receive COVID-19 vaccines to experience side effects. We consulted with medical expert, Dr. Thomas Campbell, to answer your questions about COVID-19 vaccine side effects.
COVID-19 and pets: What you should know
During the COVID-19 pandemic, pets have comforted us and helped us stay healthy. It’s understandable that some people worried about their pets’ health. We have reviewed recommendations and guidelines to help you keep your pets safe during the pandemic.
COVID-19 pathology changes with antibody production
Study uses COVIDome samples link antibody production to stages of disease.
What is safe after getting COVID-19 vaccines?
We’ve reviewed new CDC guidance and consulted our top infectious disease expert to learn what is safe after getting your COVID-19 vaccine.
Breast cancer screening or COVID-19 vaccination? Do both.
Lymph-node swelling after the coronavirus vaccine can complicate breast-cancer screening, but the timing of a mammogram can make a big difference.
For COVID-19 patients, therapy starts in the ICU
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology is more than ‘ancillary’ to patients’ recovery.
Does COVID-19 cause heart problems?
Early concerns that COVID-19 may cause heart problems have abated with further studies and clinical observations at UCHealth and elsewhere.
How to prepare before getting a COVID-19 vaccine
We reached out to our experts to answer questions about what to expect and how to stay as healthy as possible when getting the vaccine.
Researchers ask: Why does COVID-19 affect people differently?
Blood samples drawn from COVID-19-positive patients are helping researchers’ efforts to identify and target the unique biologic factors that drive the disease.
Why he’s urging his Hispanic community to get the COVID-19 vaccine
Ernesto strives to help his Hispanic community navigate health guidelines, and filter misinformation and fear about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Keep wearing a mask even after getting your COVID-19 vaccine
Health experts say people who get their COVID-19 vaccines should keep wearing masks to keep others safe until millions more get vaccinated.
Coronavirus variants may be vastly more infectious; vigilance more vital than ever
Vaccination ramps up as COVID-19 infections rise in hotspots here and abroad; coronavirus variants could make things much worse.
Remote patient monitoring of COVID-19 brings peace of mind
A UCHealth remote patient monitoring program introduced last spring to protect recovering COVID-19 patients after they return home continues to blossom.
Investigational clinical trial for new COVID-19 vaccine opens in Colorado
The investigational COVID-19 vaccine, NVX-CoV2373, is in a phase 3 clinical trial at UCHealth in Colorado, sponsored by Novavax.
Encouraging Black people to get COVID-19 vaccines: This doctor-doctor duo is on a mission to build trust
The Hazels stress the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, while helping leaders effectively reach Black people, immigrants and underserved people.
COVID-19 patient outcomes improve thanks to new medications, top-notch care
Medical providers are better prepared to fight a new surge thanks to COVID-19 care improvements including better medications and treatments.
Should I get a better face mask to protect against COVID-19?
Does a gator protect me from COVID-19? Are adjustable ear loops effective? Is it time to get a better face mask? We asked our expert.
Long and poignant journey to a safe COVID-19 vaccine
Dr. Richard Zane has been fighting COVID-19 all year. He’s confident vaccines are safe, and we are experiencing a historic moment.
Are vitamins C and D effective in the fight against COVID-19?
Preliminary evidence suggests certain common dietary supplements, such as vitamins C, D and Zinc, may help in the battle against COVID-19.
Coronavirus drug trials: Answering big questions
Great news from coronavirus vaccine clinical trials have earned a deserved spotlight over the last couple of weeks. For good reason, too: The Pfizer and Moderna, and other COVID-19 vaccines, will do much to douse the COVID-19 pandemic.
Masks and acne: Here’s what you can do about ‘maskne’
“Maskne” is caused by the “mechanics” of mask-wearing, including increased heat, friction and occlusion/moisture. Here are helpful tips.
The challenges of managing diabetes and COVID-19 risk
People with diabetes don’t seem to be at higher risk of getting COVID-19. But if they do get it, they are more likely to be sick from it.
Pandemic nurse: Never-ending days, heartbreaks and the simple humanity of holding a patient’s hand
Weary eyes show above their masks, but they remain dedicated to their mission: giving excellent, loving care. These are the pandemic nurses.
Is it safe to ski during the COVID-19 pandemic?
By taking the proper precautions before, during and after, it can be safe to ski during the COVID-19 pandemic this winter.
In the time of COVID-19: How college students can return home safely for the holidays
UCHealth experts say college students should quarantine and monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for two weeks when returning home for the holidays.
Test your knowledge of coronavirus, from A to Z
“A” is for Asymptomatic spread. “Z” is for Zinc. Test your understanding of the coronavirus pandemic, from medications to health guidelines.
The truth about COVID-19 and asymptomatic spread: It’s common, so wear a mask and avoid large gatherings
Asymptomatic spread has been one of the most mysterious and haunting aspects of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Are you feeling exhausted, anxious or sad? 5 tips for handling ‘pandemic fatigue.’
If you are sick and tired of worrying about COVID-19, you’re probably suffering from pandemic fatigue, and you are not alone.
COVID-19 ‘long-haulers’ get help at special ICU clinic
COVID-19 ‘long-haulers’ are patients with symptoms lingering more than a month after initial recovery, and they are getting help at UCHealth.
Top 10 medical issues to take care of now before flu season and COVID-19 collide
Our expert chimes in with 10 medical issues to address now before flu season and COVID-19 collide and possibly stress the health care system.
Best drugs to fight COVID-19: Drugs that Trump is receiving also help other seriously ill patients
Some therapies Trump received are used for seriously ill COVID-19 patients in Colorado and elsewhere, including dexamethasone and remdesivir.
How you can prevent ‘superspreader’ events this fall and winter
You can prevent superspreader events if you follow these relatively simple guidelines from this UCHealth neuro-infectious disease expert.
Identify ‘Three Good Things’ each evening to boost happiness during the pandemic
People can boost their positive attitudes and resiliency while reducing harmful self-criticism with the “Three Good Things” daily exercise.
Coronavirus mutations not (necessarily) cause for alarm
D614G mutation changes the coronavirus’s spike protein, but shouldn’t affect vaccines in development, according to the experts.
UCHealth, University of Colorado School of Medicine launch COVID-19 project to follow up with hospitalized patients
A research project seeks to learn how COVID-19 patients are faring after leaving the hospital and identify how UCHealth can improve care in the future.
6 steps to slowing airborne coronavirus transmission
Aerosols – invisible particles that float in the air around us for minutes or hours – appear to be a major player in the transmission of the coronavirus.
Coronavirus vaccines 101: What you need to know
Several vaccine makers are racing to create and test vaccines to prevent COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know about coronavirus vaccines.
Study tests clot busters on COVID-19 patients
Multi-site trial tests the ability of tPA to clear the lungs and break up blood clots in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Science says: Wear a mask
The research of mask-wearing is evolving, but the case for masks to slow coronavirus spread is strong.
Boulder woman survives COVID-19 thanks to artificial lung treatments called ECMO
Barbara Goud got a vicious case of COVID-19. She wasn’t recovering well on a ventilator, then got ECMO treatments to give her lungs a rest.
COVID-19 and airborne aerosols: What you need to know
Research: Understanding the role genetics play in COVID-19, other diseases
Researchers part of a global group sharing and analyzing data to understand the genetic aspects of COVID-19 susceptibility, severity, and outcomes.
Dexamethasone may or may not be a breakthrough coronavirus treatment
First approved in 1958 when NASA was born and Pan Am flew the first commercial flight across the Atlantic. Will Dexamethasone work for the coronavirus?
A fearless protector: Meet the top infectious disease expert in Colorado
This infectious disease expert in Colorado faces the biggest challenge of her career but does it with her typical sunny attitude and calming demeanor.
Child immunizations down during pandemic, increasing risk for an outbreak of vaccine-preventable illnesses
UCHealth pediatrician stresses importance of continued child-well visits, scheduled child immunizations during pandemic to prevent other illnesses.
Several coronavirus clinical trials, same key questions: ‘Is it safe?’ ‘Does it work?’
Therapies, in the form of clinical trials, for the coronavirus are being put to the test at record pace in Colorado at UCHealth.
COVID-positive mother gives birth to beautiful, strong preemie
This COVID-positive mom of a NICU baby humbled her health care team with her gratitude and positivity during a hard birth and challenging new times.
Symptoms to never ignore – even during a pandemic
It’s critical to continue to get treatment for medical emergencies during this pandemic. Don’t ignore these symptoms and know that UCHealth EMS is a safe place to turn to for emergency care.
Vaping and the coronavirus do not mix
Anything that causes lung inflammation is going to be really bad in a setting of coronavirus. Learn why vaping and the coronavirus do not mix.
Your regular doctor and specialists can now care for you at home through ‘Virtual Visit’
Patients can now do Virtual Visits with their primary care doctors and specialists. Keep seeing your regular doctors while staying safe from coronavirus.
Why soap and water work better than hand sanitizer to remove the coronavirus
Both soap and hand sanitizer neutralize the coronavirus, but soap and water work better because soap disrupts sticky bonds so the coronavirus slides off.
How to help older adults use video calling to stay connected, combat loneliness
Isolation is tough for everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic. For older adults, it’s devastating. Help older adults use video calling to stay connected.
A rundown of coronavirus drugs for home and hospital
There’s no proven cure or treatment for COVID-19. Some drugs may help; chloroquine, the antimalarial medication, may or may not.
Coronavirus: To zinc or not to zinc?
Zinc is no coronavirus magic bullet, but it could help. Studies have shown zinc lozenges to be effective in shortening the misery phase of the common cold.
You think you have COVID-19? What should you do?
Staying at home is the best treatment unless you are seriously ill. Isolate yourself from others, even in your home. Get fluids and rest and call your doctor if you get seriously ill.
The ins and outs of disinfecting coronavirus
We’re typically better at cleaning than disinfecting. That must change now with the coronavirus. Here’s a quick primer on household disinfection.
Viruses 101: Why the new coronavirus is so contagious and how we can fight it?
Learn why the new coronavirus is so contagious. Is a cure or vaccine for COVID-19 coming? And will summer make a difference?
Staying safe from the coronavirus when you work in other people’s homes
For plumbers, repair people and cable service technicians, staying safe means asking questions. Call ahead. Don’t work in a home where someone is sick. Collect payments remotely and use the customer’s sink and soap.
What you should know about COVID-19, coronavirus
Don’t panic. UCHealth continues to monitor COVID-19. Here are some answers to questions.
Concerned about coronavirus? Virtual Urgent Care provides safe, affordable, 24/7 option to get care.
Medical providers can help you figure out if you need to be tested for coronavirus through secure, online visits. UCHealth’s Virtual Urgent Care is open to anyone in Colorado, even those who don’t have insurance.
Coronavirus anxiety: Why the outbreak feeds worries and five simple ways to reduce anxiety?
Psychologist Justin Ross said it’s no surprise that mass anxiety and panicky behavior are spreading. But there are simple steps that can help tame coronavirus anxiety.
Pregnancy and coronavirus: Experts advise precautions
Pregnant women are more vulnerable to viral respiratory infections like the new coronavirus or COVID-19 and need to take precautions during pregnancy.
The latest from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC is updating information about COVID-19 on its website.
The latest from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Patients who have general questions can call the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at CO-Help at 303.389.1967 or 1.877.462.2911 or email [email protected]. Answers are available in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin and more.