The world is facing an unprecedented medical crisis. Throughout this challenging time, your health and safety remain our top priority. Protect yourself and your loved ones with the help of this important information on COVID-19. Together, we can keep our communities healthy and strong.
To get information that's specific to your area, select your state or region below.
You have many ways to get quality care when you need it.
Get answers to questions about diagnostic and antibody testing.
Learn about safety, effectiveness, and when you can get vaccinated.
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath — similar to the flu. They've also experienced chills or shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of sense of smell or taste. While information so far indicates that most cases are mild, symptoms appear to be more severe in the elderly and people with chronic conditions.
Watch this video to learn more about common symptoms of COVID-19.
Federal health officials have asked states to vaccinate everyone 65 or older and people with ongoing serious health conditions. This is in addition to health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities, who are still a high priority. Based on this guidance, state health officials will decide which groups are eligible in their area.
We’re committed to getting COVID-19 vaccines to all our members and communities as soon as possible. We’ve been preparing for an expansion of eligibility and are working with county and state leaders on increasing vaccination locations. Successfully delivering the vaccine to additional populations, as well as continuing to vaccinate health care workers, depends on getting access to more supplies of vaccine. Supplies will continue to increase over time, and all adults should be able to get vaccinated later in 2021.
See more vaccine FAQs and the latest updates on your state’s eligibility guidelines.
COVID-19 causes a mild illness in many people. But some people may be at higher risk for having severe symptoms from COVID-19. A recent study found that 88% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had more than one chronic condition,* and other factors can also increase your risk.
Watch this video to learn who’s at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 and what to do if you have symptoms.
You may be at high risk if you:
If you’re pregnant, it may be safest to consider yourself at higher risk because information on how COVID-19 affects pregnant women is limited. To learn more about how the virus could affect you or your care, visit kp.org/maternity-covid.
If you have an ongoing health condition, here are some ways you can help keep yourself safe.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 — such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath — call your doctor.
*Safiya Richardson et al., “Presenting Characteristics, Comorbidities, and Outcomes Among 5700 Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 in the New York City Area,” Journal of the American Medical Association, April 22, 2020.
The safest way to help prevent getting COVID-19 is to avoid social gatherings with anyone you don’t live with or who isn’t part of a small group you've already been interacting with.
Keep in mind that a negative test result now only shows your status at the time you got the test. It doesn't prevent you from getting or spreading the virus while interacting with others. Because of these risks, we don’t recommend relying on a test to decide if you should attend a social gathering.
If you do choose to be part of a social gathering, make sure to take precautions, including wearing a mask anytime you’re not eating or drinking, practicing physical distancing, and frequently washing your hands.
Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. But if you’re planning to take a trip, visit cdc.gov/travel for the latest travel recommendations and restrictions.
To learn more about getting care while you’re away from home, visit kp.org/travel or call our Away from Home Travel Line at 951-268-3900 (TTY 711).1
We’ll keep you updated on what you need to know as travel restrictions change. You can also visit our “Before you travel” section to see if there’s any information you need to know about your destination, such as the latest COVID-19 testing guidelines for travelers to Hawaii.
1This number can be dialed from both inside and outside the United States. Before the phone number, dial “001” for landlines and “+1” for mobile lines if you're outside the country. Long-distance charges may apply, and we can’t accept collect calls. The phone line is closed on major holidays (New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). It closes early the day before a holiday at 10 p.m. Pacific time (PT), and it reopens the day after a holiday at 4 a.m. PT.
There are 2 different kinds of clinical tests available. One shows if you’re currently infected with a virus (diagnostic testing) and the other helps you understand if you’ve been infected in the recent past with a virus (antibody testing).
Click here to learn about testing in your area.
The coronavirus is spread from person to person — mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) — through tiny droplets made when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It’s possible, but not likely, that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly eyes. It’s important to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Staying home can help slow the spread of COVID-19, but it may not feel safe for those experiencing domestic violence. Stress and uncertainty during the pandemic, as well as limited access to help in your community, can make existing abuse worse — or lead to new family violence.
If you feel there’s immediate danger, please call 911 right away.
Domestic violence includes abuse that can be emotional, physical, financial, and/or sexual. And it can look different for everyone. It’s important to remember that it isn’t your fault, and you shouldn’t feel ashamed for seeking help. If you’re not sure your home is a safe place for you or your family, here are some common signs:
If any of the above is happening to you or someone you love, you can:
The above resources can also help you develop a safety plan for reacting to dangerous situations. A safety plan can include ways to cope with your emotions, how to tell others about the abuse, how to take legal action, and more. If you can, consider making a safety plan and discussing it with a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor.
For the health and safety of our patients, doctors, and staff, we’ve taken several precautions at our facilities, including limiting visitors. Please review the visitor policy in your area for more information.
With COVID-19 cases surging, no one can let their guard down, and everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread. Watch this video featuring front-line workers from 3 hospital systems and how the surge is impacting the care they provide.
To help protect yourself, your loved ones, and our staff, please don’t visit our facilities without an appointment. You have many other ways to get quality care, including phone appointments and email. Our clinicians will determine if you need an in-person appointment or meet the criteria for a COVID-19 test.
If you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. Tell them if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
You have many safe ways to get the care you need — whether you have COVID-19 symptoms or are facing a different health issue.
Our care teams are working closely with government agencies to prioritize safety, prevent spread in our communities, and test the first vaccine.
We can help you learn about coverage options, see if you qualify for financial help, and find local resources.
For additional information about the coronavirus and COVID-19, visit these websites:
Right now, it’s especially important to care for the whole you — mind, body, and spirit. We have many digital tools and articles to help your physical and mental health.
