This post was updated on May 3rd, 2021 at 11:06 AM

• COVID-19 virus mutations
• 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.

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

CDC Videos

6 steps to prevent COVID-19
10 things you can do to manage COVID-19 at home

Virus mutations

Scientists have recently identified new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. This is not uncommon as respiratory viruses can change often. The B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant, which was first identified in Great Britain, is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Colorado, and the P.1 (“Brazilian”) and B.1.351 (“South African”) variants have been identified among Colorado coronavirus cases. Studies have shown that vaccines remain very effective against these variants.

The best way to protect yourself and others from new versions of COVID-19 is to continue wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands often.

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.

Colorado teachers thrilled to begin receiving COVID-19 vaccines

UCHealth is working closely with more than 50 schools and school districts across Colorado to help vaccinate teachers and enable schools to fully open.

Should you wear a double mask?

Wearing a double mask, knotting and tucking surgical masks may reduce aerosols more, but wearing one mask correctly is half the battle.

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.

Vaccines bring hope and healing to parishioners at Colorado’s oldest Black church

Older folks were excited to come to Shorter Community AME Church in Denver on Sunday to get their COVID-19 vaccines. Many parishioners have deeply missed seeing one another, worshiping together and singing in choirs.

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.

Mass vaccination event gives 10,000 elated Coloradans life-saving COVID-19 vaccines

UCHealth’s COVID-19 mass vaccination drive-though event a success; model for future by getting most people in and out in just over 20 minutes.

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.

Vaccine study volunteer learns he got the real COVID-19 shot

Vaccine study participant said he will keep preaching a message of truth to those who are afraid of research and vaccines.

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.

Older adults receive COVID-19 vaccine at home through mobile clinic

UCHealth activated its mobile vaccine clinic, an initiative aimed at providing COVID-19 vaccines to adults who are age 70 and older.

‘A lifeline to normal life:’ Older adults rejoice as they begin getting coronavirus vaccines

UCHealth is eager to provide coronavirus vaccines to older adults and many others as soon as possible in the coming weeks and months.

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.

Frontline health care workers make history, first to receive COVID-19 vaccine in Colorado

Health care workers made history Monday as the first in Colorado to receive a safe, highly-effective vaccine that could end the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Hug tunnel’ is a human solution to isolation of the elderly

Elderly isolation is among the cruel collateral damage inflicted by the insidious virus that causes COVID-19. But the ‘hug tunnel’ can help.

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.

The first COVID-19 case likely in Colorado long before March

Blood donated around the U.S. last December shows antibodies to COVID-19. The first COVID-19 case in Colorado might have been last December.

Loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic: Fight it with kindness

Acts of kindness can energize the souls of both the kind person and the recipient, helping combat loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clinical laboratories are home to unsung heroes

Clinical laboratories are working with a new, highly accurate COVID-19 testing technology that will help provide quicker test results.

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.

Racing to add extra ICU beds as COVID-19 patient surge tests hospitals, providers

To meet the needs during a surge of COVID-19 patients, hospitals are assessing everything from ICU bed and IV poles, to doctors and nurses.

More COVID-19 patients are surviving now as care, therapies improve

There’s one glimmer of hope in this pandemic. Patients who become critically ill with COVID-19 are surviving at significantly higher rates.

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.

Dr. Anthony Fauci salutes Colorado’s frontline workers as they face tough COVID-19 surge

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, thanked health workers and said he’s eager to take a vaccine for COVID-19.

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.

Colorado seeing its ‘darkest days;’ governor warns people to limit gatherings to immediate household

Stay safe and avoid getting COVID-19 or spreading it to others as we all go through this very difficult third wave of COVID-19 in Colorado.

UCHealth coronavirus vaccine trials continue as hospitals prepare for mass vaccination

Good news announced that coronavirus vaccine trials are showing we may have a vaccine for COVID-19 in the coming months.

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.

Virus ‘far more dangerous’ now as Colorado COVID-19 spike sets alarming records

Why did the fall Colorado COVID-19 spike get so serious so fast? Simple. The virus now is so widespread that it’s much easier to get infected.

Convalescent plasma needed as COVID-19 hospitalizations rise

Blood donation centers need new people who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate convalescent plasma to deal with the increased demand.

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.

UCHealth launches second COVID-19 vaccine trial

COVID-19 vaccine trial in northern Colorado needs participants who are at higher risk for exposure due to their work environments or habits.

Colorado coronavirus model shows we must act now

The Colorado coronavirus model shows, on average, a person infected with COVID-19 will spread it to 1.5 people, a rate higher than in Spring.

REGN-COV2 trial needs household members of those recently diagnosed with COVID-19

UCHealth quickly recruiting people living with someone recently diagnosed with COVID-19 for REGN-COV2 trial that is focused on prevention.

Holiday gatherings in 2020: Health experts provide tips to safely navigate the holidays during a pandemic

How should you host Thanksgiving or decide on plans during such a challenging time? Health experts chime in on holiday gatherings and more.

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.

UCHealth marks 2,000th COVID-19 hospitalized patient to recover, leave hospital

More than 2,000 COVID-19 survivors have now been discharged from UCHealth hospitals and are recovering at home or in post-accute care centers.

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).

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.

Moderna coronavirus vaccine trial set to launch at University of Colorado Hospital

The phase 3 trial of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine candidate for COVID-19 will enroll 1,000 at University of Colorado Hospital, 30,000 nationwide.

COVID-19 and airborne aerosols: What you need to know

Colorado hospital systems teamed up to save lives of COVID-19 patients

After the first known patient with COVID-19 emerged in Colorado on March 5, Colorado hospital systems teamed up to help one another, saving lives.

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.

Heard ‘herd immunity’ is the answer to the coronavirus problem? Not so fast.

Herd immunity requires that enough of the population is immune that the disease can’t keep spreading even if some people remain vulnerable.

High-quality antibody tests and screening for the COVID-19 virus now available to the public in Colorado

UCHealth providers are now offering COVID-19 and antibody tests to the public at facilities along the Front Range and in Steamboat Springs.

Is it safe to swim during the COVID-19 pandemic? Are pools, lakes and beaches safe this summer?

This summer will be very different. What about drinking water and water sports? You’ve got questions about COVID-19 and the summer of 2020. We’ve got answers.

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.

Colorado team creating ‘farm-to-table’ COVID-19 antibody tests to boost quality and bypass shortages

Scientists at the Anschutz Medical Campus are racing to create a new high-quality antibody test to aid in the fight against COVID-19. But be careful as a positive antibody test may not mean you are immune.

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.

Clinic aims to give surviving COVID-19 patients the post-ICU care they need

‘Huge’ milestone: Colorado’s first convalescent plasma recipient leaves ICU after 34 days on a ventilator

Dr. Michael Leonard, the first convalescent plasma recipient at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, leaves the ICU after 34 days on a ventilator.

Donating plasma for COVID patients new push in fight against deadly virus

For 28 years as a nurse, she has helped bring new life into the world. Now, after acquiring COVID-19, she is donating her plasma to help COVID patients.

Giving birth during a pandemic: New babies bring joy and hope in quiet hospitals

This pregnancy seemed to be smooth sailing. Then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, and the upcoming birth of her second child became a bit scarier.

In war, hurricane or pandemic, Dr. Evalina Burger performs medically necessary surgeries

In recent days, all UCHealth hospitals resumed medically necessary surgeries for people who needed help but had to wait because of COVID-19.

For the love of Cowboy: Virtual Visit helps woman get back to her horse

Seeing a gastroenterologist by way of a virtual visit reasured this woman she needed medical care and calmed her fears of a hospital visit during pandemic.

Coronavirus models: what the numbers show in Colorado about how we may ‘return to normal’

Absent big surprises, Colorado residents can expect a long, slow return to the “normal” we knew before COVID-19 based on the models used by experts.

JBS worker with COVID-19 goes home after son prayed outside hospital for days

Family and nurses cheered for JBS worker and COVID-19 survivor Sergio Rodriguez when he left the hospital. His son, Rafael, had prayed for days outside.

When will the coronavirus distancing end? It depends.

When will physical (also known as social) distancing end? We are all ready but experts agreed that we still must heed not the heart but the head.

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.

African American COVID-19 survivor thinks she lived to give others hope

Against the odds, Ravi Turman was the first person in her COVID-19 unit at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital to get off a ventilator. Both Ravi and her team celebrated the milestone and she’s now recovering at home.

Cancer patients battle threat of COVID-19

Cancer patients battle the treat of COVID-19 but with a weakened immune systems. UCHealth is helping them maintain cancer treatments during the pandemic.

Critically ill Evergreen man first in Colorado to receive ‘convalescent plasma’ to help fight COVID-19

Dr. Michael Douglas is the first person in Colorado to receive convalescent plasma to help fight COVID-19. The donor’s antibodies may help attack the virus.

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.

ICUs work to stem tide of COVID-related ARDS patients

In many cases, the battle against COVID-19 in ICUs is centered on a condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS. And nearly all these patients require ventilator support.

Grateful to be alive: Ernesto Castro lives to tell his story about surviving COVID-19

It started with a runny nose and then his condition deteriorated rapidly. After 10 days in the hospital, he went home to be with family.

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.

Physical distancing – based on math – is a vital step to fighting the pandemic

As the coronavirus cases grow, what may seem like extreme measures are not. Without our immediate cooperation, sick people will easily overwhelm hospitals in Colorado.

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 exactly is ‘social distancing?’ Hint: You are allowed to go outside.

In order to prevent the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus, public health experts are now advising people in many parts of the country to practice “social distancing.”

Novel coronavirus outbreak in Colorado’s ski communities ‘very serious,’ UCHealth expert warns

Residents and visitors to Colorado mountain resort areas should take precautions immediately as Colorado’s governor also orders the closure of theaters, clubs and gyms while restaurants halt dine-in service.

Six healthy things you can do to take the edge off social distancing

Social distancing is, for now, the best tool we as a civilization have to prevent the spread of coronavirus and “flatten the curve” to keep the numbers of severe cases down.

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.

 

Older adults advised to ‘stay home as much as possible’ during coronavirus outbreak

Early research shows that older adults are twice as likely to have serious complications if they get the new coronavirus, also called COVID-19 illness. Learn what you need to know.

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 COHELP@RMPDC.org. Answers are available in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin and more.