Influenza and Coronavirus Resources

Meadville Medical Center is posting the following information in compliance with the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d). Meadville Medical Center’s charge for a COVID-19 laboratory test is $199.00 and the cash price is the same at $199.00.

“A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.”

Source: Center for Disease Control

Influenza and COVID-19 are primarily transferred from person to person through respiratory droplets produced by an infected person’s cough or sneeze.

In order to best protect yourself, these simple steps can be followed:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Be thorough, and especially wash your hands after being in a public place, or after coughing or sneezing.
2. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol may be used when soap and water are not readily available.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask if you are not sick.

Source: Center for Disease Control

If you suspect you are ill, with any disease, these simple steps can be followed:

1. Stay home if you are sick.
2. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Immediately wash your hands afterward with soap and water or hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
3. Wear a facemask when you are near other people.
4. Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surface daily.

Source: Center for Disease Control

MMC has established a Coronavirus Response Team which has taken the lead in the preparation process should COVID-19 cases be in our area. They are working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, following Center for Disease Control guidelines, and conducting ongoing preparedness exercises with local countywide agencies.

Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are at higher risk.

There is no evidence to indicate that children are more susceptible. In fact, most data coming from China show that the confirmed cases have been primarily reported in adults.

There is not enough information to indicate if a pregnant woman is more susceptible.

Source: Center for Disease Control

Call your primary care physician. If you do not have a PCP contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

Clinicians will use their judgment to determine who should be tested. Decisions on which patients receive testing should be based on local epidemiology of COVID-19, as we all clinical course of illness. Most patients with confirmed cases have developed fever and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness.

Source: Center for Disease Control

MMC Is able to collect specimens for COVID-19 testing but we cannot internally test for the disease at this time. Specimens are sent to state or commercial labs and typically take 2-3 days to yield a result.

Individuals in any group setting should follow the same steps listed under How Do I Protect Myself? The most important safety precaution businesses can take is to restrict sick emplyees and visitors from commingling with others in the workforce.