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Frequently Asked Questions

The COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving. Mile Bluff is closely monitoring the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak. We continue to follow the procedures outlined by the CDC and Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

COVID-19 Response FAQs

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (average being 5 days).

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Body aches
  • Headache

You are advised:

  • Stay home when you are sick with any respiratory symptoms, and limit contact with others.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. or use hand sanitizing gel.
  • Cover your cough with your elbow, and sneeze into a tissue.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects in your home.
  • Do not travel when sick.

If you have questions about COVID-19, visit the CDC website.

If you had direct contact with a person who has a confirmed, positive test of COVID-19, and you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, CALL your primary care provider before coming to a medical facility. Your provider will assess your symptoms over the phone and will direct you on how to proceed.

Where Can I Get Tested for COVID-19?

Those with moderate to severe symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, loss of taste and/or smell, etc.) are encouraged to schedule a clinic appointment to see a provider at Mile Bluff Clinic.

Individuals with minor to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, as well as those with no symptoms, can receive a swab-only test at Mile Bluff. This service is available Monday through Friday from 7 am to noon, and Saturdays from 8 am to noon. ​ The testing takes place at Mile Bluff's East Clinic location (1040 Division Street, Mauston).

What if I Need Routine Care? Can I Still Come to My Appointment?

If possible, please go alone to any appointments at the hospital or clinic. Do not bring children unless they are the ones in need of care. If you need assistance or transportation, one healthy support person is acceptable. Especially, do not bring anyone to your appointment who has a cough, a fever or unusual shortness of breath.

You can trust Mile Bluff to safely provide you with the clinic, surgery and outpatient services you need - even as we respond to COVID-19.

If connecting with your healthcare provider from the comfort and safety of home is what you're looking for, TeleMedicine services are also available.

Should I Still Bring My Child in for Routine Well-Child Exams?

From birth to adolescence, well-child exams are used to track a child’s health and growth. During these routine visits, important vaccines may also be given.

Well-child exams, especially when patients require vaccines, are essential. While it is important to take COVID-19 seriously, the community cannot disregard other healthcare needs. If children do not keep up with routine vaccinations, it puts children at a higher risk for other preventable disease.

Well-child exams follow a specific schedule that has been outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition to reviewing a child’s overall health, growth and general well-being, vital vaccines are given to help prevent diseases like chicken pox, measles, influenza and polio. These vaccines are usually given in a specific order, and if skipped or postponed for too long, the health of children may be at risk.

If you want to schedule one of these essential visits, or to check to see if your child is due for vaccinations, call Mile Bluff Clinic at 608-847-5000 today.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Exposed to COVID-19?

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their primary care provider. Do not come to the hospital unless advised by your primary healthcare provider. However, if you’re experiencing a healthcare emergency, call 911.

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How Do I Prevent COVID-19?

If eligible, receive your COVID-19 vaccine.

Clean your hands often

  • 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 readily 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.

Avoid close contact

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick from the illness.

How to protect others:

  • Wear a cloth mask when you are in public, especially when physical distancing is difficult.
  • Stay home if you are sick. Learn what to do if you are sick.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • 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 immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Get vaccinated when the vaccine is offered to you.
What if I Test Positive for COVID-19?

If you do become ill, it is recommended:

  • Stay home when you are sick, and limit contact with others. People who are mildly ill are able to isolate at home. Stay at home until you are instructed to leave, this will reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizing gel.
  • Cover your cough with your elbow, and sneeze into a tissue.
  • Avoid public areas.
  • Avoid public transportation.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects in your home (cellphones, for example).
  • Do not travel while sick.
  • Do not share personal items like dishes, towels or bedding.
  • Seek medical attention if your illness is worsening, but before you go, call first.
  • Wear a facemask before you enter a shared space.

If you are tested for COVID-19, the Public Health Department will be in continual contact with you to help monitor your symptoms and give you guidance on what to do when.

How Do I Know If I Have COVID-19 or Another Illness?

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of allergies and other respiratory illnesses. The only way to know if you have COVID-19 is to be tested.

Why it might be COVID-19: You are more likely to have COVID-19 if you have respiratory symptoms (dry cough, shortness of breath) AND one of the following is true:

  • You have been in direct contact with (were coughed on by or were within 6 feet of) someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19.
  • There has been community spread of the COVID-19 virus in your area or an area you traveled to.
How Long Is the Incubation Period for COVID-19?

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear 2-14 days after exposure.

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How Is COVID-19 treated?

There are a few treatments used for specific groups of individuals with COVID-19. If you are one of those who would benefit from treatment, your provider will inform you of your options. Most people will do best recovering at home. Here are 10 things you can do to manage your health at home if you have a possible or confirmed case of COVID-19.

  1. Stay home from work, school, and away from other public places. If you must go out, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
  2. Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider immediately.
  3. Get rest and stay hydrated.
  4. If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider ahead of time and tell him/her that you have or may have COVID-19.
  5. For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you have or may have COVID-19.
  6. Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  7. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  8. As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around other people in or outside of the home, wear a facemask.
  9. Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household like dishes, towels, and bedding.
  10. Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.
Is There a Vaccine for COVID-19?

Yes. There are three vaccines available to prevent COVID-19 infections. Click here to learn more.

What Are the Dangers of COVID-19?

Approximately 80% of those infected with COVID-19 will only experience mild symptoms, and will not require hospitalization. The illness lasts about 5-10 days. The majority of people with the illness do make a full recovery. In very rare cases, at-risk individuals have experienced pneumonia, multi-organ failure and death. While all of the long-term impacts are not fully known, many have shown to linger and/or not be reversible.

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