Veterans Affairs COVID-19 Update
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, you should seek immediate medical advice on appropriate next steps
The VA is ready to assist you. We have plans in place to protect everyone who receives health care, visits or works at one of our facilities. VA recommends the following:
- Increase your awareness of COVID-19 symptoms by reading the VA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information.
- VA and CDC have posted and routinely update the latest information about COVID-19.
- Online addresses/links for both VA and CDC COVID-19 information are provided below.
Contact your VA Medical Center before going to a clinic, urgent care or emergency room, especially if you have symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Contacting us first helps us protect you, medical staff, and other patients.
- For routine appointments, we recommend reaching out to your provider to ask about using telehealth (phone or video) for your scheduled appointment.
- You can also cancel and reschedule your appointment for a later date.
- To change your appointment to a telehealth appointment, send a secure message to your provider in My HealtheVet.
Leave time for screening
- If you visit a VA hospital, clinic, community living center, or other VA health care facility, you will be met at the entrance by a staff member.
- The staffer will greet you and ask you some screening questions.
- A VA health care professional will then assist you with the next steps of your visit.
Stay connected and healthy
Concerns about COVID-19 can be stressful for many people, and it's understandable to feel anxious. It's important to take steps to manage stress and take care of yourself. Stay in touch with friends and family by phone and social media, and get enough sleep and exercise.
HOW CAN I FIND THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19
- Visit the CDC COVID-19 information page online at: https://www.coronavirus. gov
- Learn about VA's public health response to COVID-19: https://www.va.gov/ coronavirus
- Read FAQs for Veterans about accessing your health care benefits during this outbreak: https:// www.va.gov/coronavirusveteran-frequently-askedquestions
- Learn about ways to manage and enhance your mental health during the emerging health crisis: https://www. mentalhealth.va.gov/ coronavirus
- Send your primary care provider a secure message through MyHealtheVet at https://www.myhealth. va.gov/mhv-portal-web/ home If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, you should seek immediate medical advice on appropriate next steps
The VA is ready to assist you. We have plans in place to protect everyone who receives health care, visits, or works at one of our facilities.
Learn more at https://www.va.gov/covid-19-links-and-resources.pdf