COVID-19 information

By:
Nov. 13, 2023

This post was updated on November 13th, 2023 at 11:34 AM

COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 Testing
Vaccination Playbook

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.

If you are sick, or are coughing or sneezing and need to visit a hospital or your doctor’s office, please wear a mask. 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

Confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases in UCHealth facilities as of 11/13/2023.
Confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases in UCHealth facilities as of 11/13/2023.

Check Your Symptoms

Please call the clinic or schedule a video appointment 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.

Rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests are convenient. Starting September 25, 2023, every U.S. household can order four more free tests. Learn more about how to use at-home tests. Photo: Getty Images.

Free at-home COVID-19 tests are available. How and when should you use them?

At-home COVID-19 tests, also known as rapid antigen tests, are convenient and accessible, and now, U.S. households can once again order four free tests. But be careful. The test results can be wrong. Learn when and how to use the tests.

UCHealth employee Luiz Perez gets one of the first COVID vaccines ever in Colorado. A new covid vaccine for 2023 was just approved. Photo by Joel Blocker, for UCHealth.

Everything you need to know about the new COVID-19 vaccine

Everyone in the U.S. — except young babies — can get the new 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine this fall, and most private insurance plans along with Medicaid and Medicare will cover the vaccine at no cost to patients.

Pregnancy and COVID-19: Study probes the possible long-term effects of COVID on pregnant moms and their children

The study is part of the RECOVER initiative, research that aims to understand and address the lingering effects of COVID-19 infections.

Symptoms of long COVID include shortness of breath, brain fog, sleep disturbances and fatigue. Two new clinical trials at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital are testing whether there are treatments for long COVID symptoms. Photo: Getty Images.

Researchers are testing treatments for long COVID symptoms, ranging from brain fog to shortness of breath

The studies, which are part of the RECOVER initiative, target a host of symptoms that are most troubling for patients enduring long-term health effects after COVID-19.

Cardiologists urge patients who experience chest pain after recovering from COVID 19 to seek medical care. Photo by Getty Images.

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.

Chef smells food as he cooks. How to regain your sense of taste and smell after COVID-19.

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.

medications on a table to represent coronavirus drugsA 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.

women taking zinc, which does help with some coronaviruses and could with COVID-19.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.

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.

coronavirus COVID-19 Infectious diseases