COVID-19 Info

See below for a list of COVID-19 symptoms. They usually begin within two to three days of exposure but could take as long as 14 days to develop.

• Fever or chills (above 100°F / 38.0°C)
• 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

If you have been in close contact with someone (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) that has a confirmed case of COVID-19, you are considered to be exposed and should quarantine yourself for 14 days. 

It is also important to note that a large percentage of the spread of infection has been due to individuals that are asymptomatic: they are infected with the virus, but not showing any symptoms. Therefore, it is important for everyone to wear masks when in public and practice social distancing.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus of COVID-19 is primarily transmitted in the air via close person-to-person contact, through large respiratory droplets when an infectious individual coughs or sneezes. It may also be spread through surfaces, but is less likely. Evidence shows best practices such as social distancing and face masks can reduce the risk of an outbreak.

To protect yourself:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible, but especially with unwashed hands
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you are sick
• Cough and sneeze into your arm (not hand) or a tissue
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Socially distance yourself from other individuals
• Avoid (as much as possible) large groups and events (as of Nov. 16: New York currently has a limit of no more than 10 persons at a private gathering)
• Wear a face covering when in public or in spaces where social distancing is not possible

If you are experiencing symptoms or think you are at risk and want to be evaluated, please stay home and call us to help us connect you to a provider virtually. 

If you develop life-threatening conditions like severe shortness of breath, changes in mental status, severe dehydration, or other complications, don’t hesitate to dial 911.

To help track and stop the transmission of COVID-19 in your community, consider downloading the contact tracing app: COVID Alert NY to your mobile phone. These apps are voluntary, anonymous, exposure-notification smartphone apps. You will get an alert if you were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. 

For more information including details on how to download the apps, visit

• coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-alert-ny

Domestic US travelers are no longer required to quarantine upon arrival or test pre- or post-travel unless instructed to do so by the airline. Travelers are asked to continue daily symptom monitoring for the 14 days post arrival and if symptoms arise, follow steps to self isolate.

US International travelers, regardless of vaccination status, are still required to test upon returning to the US and monitor for symptoms. Many countries are also requiring a negative test before entering their country. When booking your international travel, we suggest you visit the US Department of State website to review the COVID-19 testing guidelines for the country you are visiting.

For more detailed international travel guidance, please visit the CDC’s website.

The Health Center is not currently performing COVID-19 testing. There are a number of testing sites available in New York. Visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you to find a location near you.

A molecular based PCR test is a laboratory test that looks for viral RNA. 

• It is highly accurate and sensitive. Results are usually available within 24-48 hours, but can sometimes take up to 5 days depending on where you live and the amount of testing going on in your area (laboratory availability). This is the test most health care settings require for diagnosis and pre-procedural before coming into a health care environment. 

Rapid tests provide same day results and are commonly referred to as Point of Care (POC). They break down into two categories:

• Rapid Antigen 
  • Measures viral protein, is less sensitive and specific and has been troubled by false negatives, particularly in patients without symptoms. 
• Rapid PCR
  • Tests viral RNA, much like lab based PCR tests, but have low sensitivity.

Sensitivity is the ability of a test to correctly identify those with the disease. A test with high sensitivity will result in a low false negative rate. This is especially important for diagnostic tests, as a false negative result means that an individual with COVID-19 would mistakenly believe they were not infected.

Specificity is the ability of the test to correctly identify those without the disease. A test with high specificity will result in a low false positive rate. This is especially important for antibody tests, as a false positive result means that an individual without antibodies would mistakenly believe they were protected from the virus.

A home test kit called Pixel can be ordered via LabCorp. This is a molecular based PCR test, shipped to a central lab by FedEx and covered by insurance. Turn around is about 48-72 hours. Visit https://www.pixel.labcorp.com/covid-19 for more information and to order your kit.

Vault is a home saliva test available to some people in New Jersey: https://www.vaulthealth.com/covid

You may can a vaccine at a Mount Sinai location or you can schedule through one of the below city and state resources:

• vaccinefinder.nyc.gov allows you to search availability and schedule in NYC.
• am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov provides availability across NY State.
• CVS locations across NY state

If you have had COVID-19 and recovered, it is still worthwhile to get a COVID-19 vaccine. While most people are protected from getting COVID-19 again after they’ve recovered, we don’t know how long that protection lasts.

Most vaccination sites are not allowing for patient choice at this time. We recommend that you accept whichever vaccine you are offered and not wait for another vaccine to become available.

Like all vaccines, the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects. These rarely interfere with daily activities, and often go away with over-the-counter pain medications. It is common to have these types of side effects after a vaccination. They mean your immune system is working and making antibodies as it’s supposed to.

The following side effects were common for all three vaccines:

• Pain at injection site
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Joint pain
• Fever

These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking the vaccine. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your health care professional.

In mid-April, the FDA said that six cases had been reported in the United States of a rare and severe type of blood clot in patients who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The FDA advised that people who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.

Do not get the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines if you have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to vaccines or the components of that vaccine. If you have a history of severe medication allergies, please discuss with your health care provider.

Pregnant and breastfeeding persons are encouraged to speak to their health care providers about the potential benefit of vaccination, especially if they are a health care worker or an essential worker, or have underlying medical conditions.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For New York-specific information, visit the New York Department of Health website as well as Mount Sinai.