The Latest on the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) in Northwest Illinois

The current COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak is a continuously developing story. FHN continues to participate in webinars and conference calls with local, state, regional, and national experts to be advised of the current status and next steps with respect to confirmed cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in the United States.

Symptoms

The following symptoms, which are not the same as those for the common cold, may appear 2-14 days after you've been exposed to COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild non-specific symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover.

If the symptoms worsen or persist, call your healthcare provider.

Symptoms that call for immediate medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

Who to Call

If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms and have an FHN primary care provider, please call your primary care provider’s office. If you do not have a primary care provider, and you would like to establish with one, please call 815-599-7060.

If you have any questions related to COVID-19, please call the Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931.

While there is currently no treatment for COVID-19, people who are mildly ill can be safe at home. While at home, as much as possible, they should stay in a specific room if living with others and away from other people who may visit.

Protect Yourself and Others:

Avoid Spreading Germs

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from other people, even if they aren't displaying symptoms.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are visibly dirty, use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions

Due to recent surging of COVID-19 cases in Northwest Illinois, FHN has issued stricter visitor policies for all FHN locations, including FHN Memorial Hospital, to help slow the spread of this highly contagious disease. Effective Wednesday, October 14, no visitors will be allowed in the hospital for patients hospitalized for general treatment/procedures except for emergencies or end-of-life situations. In the Emergency Room and Birthing Center, patients may have one visitor per day and Pediatrics, patients may have two parents or guardians per day. Throughout the hospital, no visitors under age 18 are permitted.

FHN office practices, including Family Healthcare Centers and Specialty Care clinics, request that patients attend their appointments alone if possible; if needed, one significant other will be allowed. For patients under the age of 18, two parents or guardians will be allowed. Throughout FHN, including office practices, all patients and any accompanying individuals must wear masks.

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe during this time.

Flyers for Public Posting

Please feel free to download the attached flyers for businesses and organizations to print and post:

How NOT to Wear a Mask

COVID-19 Information Videos

Resources

Please review the following resources to find out more about the virus and what can be done to help prevent its spread:

Listen to Mark Gridley, FHN President, CEO, give a COVID-19 update - November 16.

Listen to FHN's Dr. Farhan Khan discuss COVID-19 symptoms and prevention - November 03.

Listen to FHN Infection Preventionist Margie Kochsmier, MSN, RN, CMSRN talk about remaining vigilant in COVID-19 prevention practices - October 27.

Illinois Department of Public Health's Small Social Gatherings Safety Tips

How coronavirus symptoms differ from the flu, allergies, and common cold, in one chart

Tips to Protect Children During a COVID-19 Outbreak

Find specific information about COVID-19 testing and related treament costs.

How to wear a cloth mask safely

How to wear a medical mask safely

Get the basics of a good medicine cabinet updated to include supplies recommended during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Listen to Dr. Keith Martin, FHN's Chief Medical Officer, review FHN Memorial Hospital's COVID-19 Preparations - April 28.

Listen to Mark Gridley, FHN President, CEO, talk about the Coronavirus - April 21.

FHN's Infection Preventionist Margie Kochsmier, MSN, RN, CMSRN, talks about COVID-19.

Listen to Mark Gridley, FHN President, CEO, talk about the Coronavirus - April 7.

Listen to Kathryn Martinez, FHN Chief Operating Officer, talk about FHN's preparations for outbreak - March 31.

Listen to Mark Gridley, FHN President, CEO, talk about the Coronavirus - March 17.

Listen to Gabriel Gonzalez, Assistant Vice President of Behavioral Health at FHN, talk about mental health during this outbreak.

If your loved one is over 60, read this

The best way to avoid spreading (or catching) any illness is to:

Practice good handwashing

Practice good coughing and sneezing etiquette, and

Stay home if you are sick.

Good advice about the importance of cleaning your phone.

How Safe Is It To Eat Takeout? - Find out and get tips to keep safe.

Support Your Local Restaurants - Get a list of area restaurants providing takeout and delivery service.

Essential Business FAQ

COVID-19 Coronavirus Descargas de documentos en español

IHA's Wear a Mask Video

IHA's Usar una Máscara Video

IDPH's COVID-19 Face Covering Dos & Don'ts

The FHN Family Counseling Center is a proud partner of the Illinois Call4Calm Text Line Service. Text "TALK" TO 552020 (or "HABLAR) for Spanish. The Illinois Call4Calm Text Line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support for anyone experiencing stress and in need of a listening ear. We are here to serve you.

New and Updated COVID-19 Resources for Parents