FAQ for Augusta University Health patients, clinical visitors during COVID-19

Amid COVID-19 concerns, Augusta University has closed some clinics in the area. We advise you to contact the clinic directly to check for closures/availability. We appreciate your patience.

For a virtual screening, visit the AU Health COVID-19 Virtual Screening website or download the AU Health Express Care app for Apple or Android devices. Speak to a provider at 706-721-0211.

Elective procedures at Augusta University Health have been canceled through April 20. Find more information here.

Updated July 16:

In an effort to safely keep families together as cases of COVID-19 increase in our area, one support person may still accompany a patient seeking treatment in Augusta University Health’s adult emergency department. However, due to social distancing requirements, the support person must wait outside until the patient is placed in an exam room.

Updated April 7:

How is COVID-19 spread?

There is much more to learn about how COVID-19 is spread and investigations are ongoing. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that mainly spread though respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory viruses spread.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 are similar to influenza and have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Read more about COVID-19 symptoms here.

What should I do if I think someone in my family has been exposed to COVID-19?

Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. Your health care provider will coordinate safe treatment and testing based on recommendations from your state’s public health department and CDC.

Information is available for people who have had close contact with a person confirmed to have, or being evaluated for, COVID-19 infection.

Experiencing fever, cough and shortness of breath?

COVID-19 Virtual Screenings are available. Visit our website to receive a free virtual screening. AU Health encourages those who are sick or show symptoms of COVID-19 to use the health system’s new remote screening tool, available for free on the website and as a mobile app for Apple and Android, or to call the health system COVID-19 hotline at 706-721-1852.

How can I help protect myself?

Practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, including frequent hand washing and covering coughs, and frequently clean surfaces such as doorknobs and phones. Visit the CDC’s treatment and prevention page to learn about how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses.

What is the hospital’s visitation policy?

Beginning Wednesday, May 6, patients may have one family member or support person with them for inpatient hospital stays and outpatient appointments, except in the case of patients with COVID-19. Patients and their support person can expect to be asked about symptoms and exposure upon entry and must supply and wear a face covering while in the hospital or clinics.

Find additional family and guest information regarding visitors.

Is there a vaccine?

Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against COVID-19, although a global effort to find an effective vaccine is currently underway.

What are the treatments?

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection; however, people infected with the virus should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating COVID-19?

No; antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. COVID-19 is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Please continue to check our COVID-19 resource page for updates.