COVID-19 FAQs

COVID-19 stands for "coronavirus disease 2019". It is a respiratory virus that has the potential to cause severe illness and death. It was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. As of January 2021, there have been more than 85 million cases worldwide and more than 20 million cases in the United States.

For the most up-to-date information from UCLA Health, please visit our coronavirus site or call our patient hotline at 310-267-3300. Calls received outside normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 7 am-7 pm) will be returned the following business day.

Some other trusted resources: LA County Department of Public Health | CDC Coronavirus Information | WHO (World Health Organization) COVID-19 Report

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever, cough, shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing.

Other symptoms can include:

• Fatigue, body aches, runny nose and sore throat.

More symptoms to be aware of include

• Chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell

For complete list, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 symptoms page.

If you need a primary care doctor, please call 800- 825-2631 or visit the Primary Care site.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are generally similar in children and adults. Children with COVID-19 have generally presented with milder symptoms, a milder clinical course and faster recovery. Symptoms mimic many common respiratory illnesses in children, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported more commonly in children.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, follow these steps:

• Contact your doctor.
• Keep track of your symptoms.
• If you are experience emergency warning signs (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately or call 911.

Steps for COVID-19 testing:

• Call your primary care physician to set up a video visit.
• Discuss your symptoms or exposures with the physician during this visit. Your physician will determine if you require a test order or recommend another plan of care.
• If a test is ordered, the physician will provide information on how to schedule the test.
• Visit your testing site at your scheduled time and complete the test.
• Test results available on myuclahealth.org within 24 hours.

If you are not a UCLA Health patient, LA County offers COVID-19 tests in many locations.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Call 911 for severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

There is some evidence to suggest that being sick with COVID-19 can lead to strokes and other circulatory problems. It is important that if you are or a loved one is experiencing stroke-like symptoms to call 911 immediately.

Yes. It is normal for viruses to mutate, or change, as they spread, resulting in new variants. A few variants of interest, however, appear to either spread more easily between people, lead to more deaths, or render the existing vaccines less effective.  The CDC has information on these emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest online.

The variant known as B.1.1.7 was first reported in the U.K. in the fall. Cases have since been detected in the U.S. and in Southern California. This variant is notable because it appears to be more infectious, and better at spreading between people. In January 2021, U.K. scientists reported evidence to suggest that this variant may be associated with an increased risk of death compared to other variants, but the CDC notes that more studies are needed to confirm this finding. There is no evidence to suggest that the authorized vaccines do not work as intended against this variant.

The variant known as B.1.351 was first reported in South Africa in the fall. Cases have since been detected in the U.S. There is no evidence to suggest that this variant is associated with more severe disease, or an increased risk of death. The vaccines do seem to be somewhat less effective at neutralizing this variant.

The variant known as P.1 originated in Brazil. Cases have since been detected in the U.S. This variant appears to be more infectious and better at spreading between people. The authorized vaccines may also be somewhat less effective at neutralizing this variant.

In light of these new, rapidly spreading variants, it’s important to continue following all public health guidance. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance from people outside your household. With these measures and increased vaccinations, the goal is to slow and eventually stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 before it gains additional mutations of concern.

A rare inflammatory syndrome similar to Kawasaki disease appears linked to COVID-19 in kids. For more, click here.

COVID toes is a condition in which painful red or purple lesions appear on a person’s fingers or toes. Also know as chilblains, the condition has recently been linked to some patients afflicted with coronavirus.

COVID toes is not on the CDC’s list of symptoms, however that update could happen at any time.

Wrestling with intense emotions day after day drains your energy, causing pandemic fatigue. The fatigue can stem from a number of emotions you’ve experienced during the pandemic, including:

• Fear
• Anxiety
• Loneliness
• Hopelessness

Here are concrete steps you can take to feel better while staying safe.

Having symptoms of a heart attack or stroke? Go to the Emergency Department. COVID-19 concerns or not.

Since mid-March, 20% of people in the U.S. experiencing either a heart attack or a stroke have not called 911 or come to the ER. Learn what symptoms to look out for and why you should never wait to seek emergency care.

UCLA Health COVID-19 testing continues at three drive-through testing sites, three specialized clinics and more than 65 primary care clinics to ensure we have capacity for symptomatic patients, symptomatic and exposed health care workers and pre-procedural and admission screening for patients. All primary care, pediatrics and immediate care clinics now offer testing, but you must have a telehealth appointment with a physician first.

Steps for COVID-19 testing:

• Call your primary care physician to set up a video visit.

• Discuss your symptoms or exposures with the physician during this visit. Your physician will determine if you require a test order or recommend another plan of care.

• If a test is ordered, the physician will provide information on how to schedule the test.

• Visit your testing site at your scheduled time and complete the test.

• Test results available on myuclahealth.org within 24 hours.

All patients who are admitted to UCLA Health through our emergency departments will also be tested for COVID-19, as will most patients undergoing a surgery or procedure in one of our hospitals or clinical facilities.

If you are not a UCLA Health patient, LA County offers COVID-19 tests in many locations.

UCLA Health uses a nasopharyngeal swab test (molecular/PCR), administered by a health care worker, to diagnose a COVID-19 infection. The test is sent to a lab for testing and results are returned in about a day.  

We co-test each sample for the flu, since many of the symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza are the same.  

For more information about COVID-19 diagnostic tests, visit the CDC site. For the most up-to-date information at UCLA Health, visit our coronavirus page or call our Patient Hotline at 310-267-3300. 

COVID-19 diagnostic tests are generally covered by insurance if the test is medically required or you have symptoms. Please talk to your primary care physician about your individual case and contact your insurance provider prior to scheduling to confirm coverage. If you do not have a primary care physician, please call 310-825-2631.

If you’re not a UCLA Health patient, LA County has expanded its test capabilities. Click here for more.

Currently there is no blood test available for COVID-19.

UCLA Health COVID-19 testing continues at three drive-through testing sites, three specialized clinics and more than 65 primary care clinics to ensure we have capacity for symptomatic patients, symptomatic and exposed health care workers and pre-procedural and admission screening for patients. All primary care, pediatrics and immediate care clinics now offer testing, but you must have a telehealth appointment with a physician first.

All patients who are admitted to UCLA Health through our emergency departments will also be tested for COVID-19, as will most patients undergoing a surgery or procedure in one of our hospitals or clinical facilities.

If you are not a UCLA Health patient, LA County offers COVID-19 tests in many locations.

Drive-thru testing sites:

• Calabasas
• Santa Clarita
• Santa Monica

In-clinic testing locations:

• Brentwood
• Century City
• Culver City
• Malibu
• Manhattan Beach
• Manhattan Beach Pediatrics
• Marina del Rey
• Pacific Palisades
• Pasadena Pediatrics
• Redondo Beach
• Santa Monica – 15^th Street Plaza
• Santa Monica – 15^th Street Family Medicine
• Santa Monica – Family Health Center
• Santa Monica – Wilshire Immediate Care
• Santa Monica – Ocean Park
• Santa Monica Pediatrics
• Torrance Pediatrics
• West Los Angeles Pediatrics
• West Washington
• Westwood Pediatrics
• Woodland Hills

Testing locations for motion picture patients:

• UCLA Health/MPTF Age Well (Woodland Hills)
• UCLA Health/MPTF Bob Hope (Hollywood)
• UCLA Health/MPTF Santa Clarita
• UCLA Health/MPTF Toluca Lake (Burbank)
• UCLA Health/MPTF Westside

We are currently seeing results in 1-2 days.

Positive Result – If you receive a positive result, the ordering UCLA Health physician will reach out to you directly within 1-2 days and the result will be posted within MyUCLAHealth.

 Negative Result – Most tests are negative. Due to the high number, people with a negative result will not be receiving a call however the results will be posted within MyUCLAHealth. For any specific questions, please reach out to your Primary Care physician’s office. 

If you do not have a primary care physician, call 1-800-825-2631 or visit the Primary Care page.

An antibody or serology test is a blood test that looks for signs of a previous COVID-19 infection. It detects antibodies or proteins in the blood that are found in response to an infection. Detailed information about antibody (serology) testing, who is eligible and how it works can be found here: Antibody Testing FAQs.

The expected turnaround time is 24 to 48 hours.

All patients who are scheduled for surgery and various other procedures at UCLA Health are required to be screened for COVID-19 1 to 2 days prior. We use for self-administered nose swab, called mid-turbinate testing, for these pre-procedure screenings.

COVID-19 test results from other laboratories will not be accepted. The surgery or department coordinator should reach out to you in advance to review this process with you. If you haven't been contacted, please reach out to the department or call 310-825-2631.

UCLA students should be tested for COVID-19 through orders issued by their primary care doctors or take advantage of LA County testing services.

If you are a UCLA student with a campus insurance plan and want to know about COVID testing and testing sites, please visit the student insurance page for more info.

If you have active COVID-19, you will not yet have the antibodies present.

A doctor may order a COVID-19 diagnostic test if you show no symptoms only when you:

• have been in close contact with someone who recently tested positive
• live or work in a high-risk setting, such as a skilled nursing facility or correction facility
• are a health care provider or other essential worker.

If you do not qualify for one of the requirements, we cannot authorize a test for you, regardless of your insurance policy or self-pay.

Please speak to your doctor if you qualify for testing under these requirements. If you do not have a primary care physician, please call 310-825-2631.

Other testing resources

For other COVID-19 diagnostic testing resources, please visit LA County's free COVID-19 testing website, CVS or EXER urgent care.

UCLA Health does not recommend home testing at this time. If you are sick and think you need to be tested for COVID-19, please consult with your doctor immediately to ask about COVID-19 testing options.

If your test results for COVID-19 are positive, this means that COVID-19 (coronavirus) was found in your test sample and you have been diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection.

Do not panic. For most people who test positive, COVID-19 produces mild symptoms, such as cough, fever and runny nose. Only a small number of patients get a severe illness.

If you have not already done so, please isolate yourself at home right away. You must stay in isolation even if you do not have any symptoms.

You can stop home isolation when all of the following conditions are met:

• It’s been at least 24 hours since you had a fever without taking a fever-reducing medication (like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen) and
• It’s been at least 24 hours since you experienced an improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) and
• At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first started.

If you did not receive your diagnosis from a UCLA doctor because you went to an outside testing site, you should also contact your medical provider right away.

• Tell your doctor’s office that you have been diagnosed with COVID-19. This will help them ensure you get the best possible care and protect others.
• You can set up a video visit, during which you can discuss your symptoms and determine the best plan of care.
• If medically appropriate, your UCLA Health physician can arrange for remote symptom monitoring while you are isolating at home.
• If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and tell them you have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

VIDEOS:

To isolate, you must stay home.

• Do not leave your home, except to get medical care, until your health care provider says it is OK.
• Do not go to work, school or public areas.
• Do not use public transportation or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people in your home.

• As much as possible, stay in a room away from other people in your home.
• Avoid sharing household items. Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items with anyone. After use, wash these items with dish soap and warm water.
• If possible, use a separate bathroom.
• Clean and sanitize all high touch surfaces after use, including surfaces in the bathroom.
• If you must be in the same room as other people, wear a face mask to protect others and others should wear a face mask if they must be in the same room as you.

Wash hands often.

• Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available and your hands are not visibly dirty. Rub your hands and fingers until they are dry.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you wash your hands first.

Yes, and this is very important. Anyone with whom you had close contact (within 6 feet of one another for 10 minutes or more in a confined space, household contacts, etc.) should stay home for 14 days from their last contact with you and monitor for symptoms.

Everyone living with you should quarantine during your 10 day isolation and for 14 additional days from the last date of contact with you during their 10 day isolation period. The CDC has additional guidance on when and how to quarantine. 

They should also call their doctor to see if they should be tested for COVID-19. UCLA Health is offering diagnostic COVID-19 testing in more than 65 locations. LA County is also offering free diagnostic COVID-19 testing in many locations. 

Please note that a negative test for family members does not mean they don’t have to quarantine. They can have been exposed to COVID-19, take a test and get a negative result, only to develop symptoms and get a positive result a few days later. 

We do not recommend that anyone comes out of quarantine due to potential contact before the recommended 14 days because of a negative test result.

People experience COVID-19 differently. 

• No symptoms: Some people who test positive for COVID-19 are asymptomatic, which means they never experience symptoms. Even if you do not have symptoms, you can still infect others and must isolate at home after you test positive. Because you do not have symptoms you must isolate for 14 days.
• Mild symptoms: Some people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms. They may feel tired and have a runny or stuffy nose, congestion, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, low grade fever, diarrhea, and/or muscle aches.
• Moderate symptoms: Many people with moderate symptoms describe COVID-19 as the worst flu-like illness they have ever had. They may experience:
  • High fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Severe fatigue
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest or nasal congestion
  • Nausea or diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Brain fog or depression
  • Loss of taste and smell
  • High heart rate with minimal activity
  • Chest pain or chest pressure
• Severe symptoms: A small number of people experience severe COVID-19 symptoms and are hospitalized during their illness. See below for symptoms that mean you should call 911.

If your symptoms get worse, mainly if you struggle to breathe, contact your medical provider right away. 

Other worrisome symptoms that necessitate a call to your doctor, or if it feels like an emergency, 911, include:

• New rashes
• New pain or swelling in legs or arms
• Changes in your vision
• Phlegm in your cough or change in your coughing
• Feeling short of breath at rest
• New or worsening chest pain
• Not able to keep food or water down for any reason
• Any stroke symptoms such as loss of sensation in a particular area of your body, speech disturbances, facial droop

 When you call your doctor, you should: 

• Tell your provider's office that you have been diagnosed with COVID-19. This will help them ensure you get the best possible care and protect others.
• If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and tell them you have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Please note that every patient’s symptoms and disease progression are different. If you’re ever concerned, call your doctor to discuss.

Just like symptoms can differ, the progression of each person’s illness can also differ.

Many people recover fully from COVID-19 after about 14 days. If you have a mild illness, you will likely feel better after about a week, or you will feel roughly the same in your first and second week of illness. 

Note that how you feel in the first week does not predict how you will feel in the second week. If you are going to develop more moderate symptoms, week one is often milder than week two, and significant shortness of breath often develops in the second week.

Many people who experience symptoms go through periods of feeling well, as if they are over the hump, only to feel unwell again a number of hours or days later. 

Some people may experience “flares” of their illness after recovery. A flare is when someone’s initial COVID-19 symptoms reappear after they’ve recovered. If you experience a symptom flare, you should isolate and stay away from others when you have symptoms. Track your symptoms, and if they don’t go away, contact your doctor.

Some people may also experience symptoms for longer than one or two weeks, or develop what has been named “long COVID” or “post-COVID syndrome,” consisting of persistent mental and physical symptoms, often for months. Unfortunately, at this point, we don’t know how long these symptoms will last and how they will affect general health.

Some people who test positive for COVID-19 may experience symptoms for longer than one or two weeks, or develop what has been named “long COVID” or “post-COVID syndrome.” These people are sometimes referred to as “long-haulers.”

Patients with “long COVID” experience persistent mental and physical symptoms, often for months. Unfortunately, at this point, we don’t know how long these symptoms will last and how they will affect general health.

Please talk to your primary care doctor about COVID-19 treatment options for non-hospitalized patients. There are now approved medications for certain high-risk individuals, as well as investigative clinical trials (uclahealth.org/covid-19-clinical-trials).

There are also many things you can do to manage your COVID-19 symptoms at home. Unless you have been told by your medical provider to do differently, you can:

• Rest: Get lots of rest and save your energy (do not do any strenuous physical exercise).
• Drink lots of fluids: Drink water or water+ electrolytes (e.g., Pedialyte®, Gatorade®,).
  • Warm drinks with or without honey can soothe sore throats and decrease phlegm (mucous/congestion).
• Fevers or body aches: It is generally safe to use Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) 500 - 1000mg (typically 1-2 extra strength tablets), 2-3 times per day as needed for fever or pain relief. Avoid if you have a history of severe liver disease or drink alcohol.
• Cough medicine: Dextromethorphan can curb cough symptoms. Curbing a cough is hard and some believe it is better to cough so you can get rid of excess mucus or infection.
• Nasal symptoms:
  • Saline rinse or mist 1-2 times per day.
  • Antihistamine with or without decongestant (e.g., loratadine + pseudoephedrine or fexofenadine + pseudoephedrine). If you have high blood pressure you might want to avoid a decongestant

You may be able to be part of a research study that UCLA is doing on COVID-19. If you want more information about this, please go to uclahealth.org/covid-19-clinical-trials.

Yes. UCLA Health offers a COVID-19 Care Companion Home Monitoring Program.

Patients must be referred by their primary care physician into this program. It is open to COVID-positive patients who transition from the hospital or emergency department to their home and patients who are never hospitalized but require close monitoring.

Home monitoring involves daily symptom tracking through a mobile app called Care Companion. Any reported “red flag” symptoms, such as shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, are sent to your physician as an alert.

If a patient cannot use the mobile app, monitoring can be conducted over the phone by a registered nurse, care coordinator or physician who monitors high-risk patients.

Call your primary care physician to learn more.

UCLA Health has a dedicated and multidisciplinary team of COVID-19 physicians who can follow patients in the outpatient setting. This team includes internists, pulmonologists and cardiologists, among others. 

The following are specialty groups that follow COVID-19 positive patients who have symptoms that continue after their initial illness.

Pulmonary / Critical Care Clinic

The pulmonary / critical care team is available to help anyone who is recovering from COVID-19 and has ongoing oxygen dependence, breathlessness at rest, shortness of breath when walking, or cough. 

They can order tests to further diagnose the cause of symptoms; prescribe medications to help alleviate symptoms; and design an individualized lung exercise and rehabilitation plan to target symptoms. 

In addition, there is specialized post-ICU clinic dedicated to anyone who was hospitalized in the ICU and required mechanical ventilation (aka, a “breathing tube”). In addition to working with a pulmonary/critical care physician, patients will meet with a respiratory therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist and social worker. The goal of this multidisciplinary expert team is to help patients work through an individualized recovery process outside of the hospital, at home.

Talk to your primary care physician to learn more.

Cardiology – COVID Clinic

UCLA Health has cardiologists who specialize in treating effects of COVID-19 on the heart, which can linger after an initial COVID-19 diagnosis and illness. This impact on the heart can delay a patients’ return to their usual activities. 

The following patients should reach out for this specialized care:

• Any patient who experienced arrhythmia, heart failure or cardiac injury during or after their hospitalization for COVID-19
• Any COVID-19 positive patient with cardiac symptoms that last for more than 14 days, including chest pain, heart palpitations, unexplained shortness of breath or fatigue.

A primary care physician or cardiology referral is required.

Neurology – Post-COVID clinic

The neurology team has a neuroinfectious disease specialist who offers consultative care to patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing post-COVID related symptoms, including memory loss, persistent headaches, neuropathy, persistent muscle aches and balance disorders. 

Talk to your primary care physician or neurologist for more information. A physician referral is required.

Infectious Diseases

The UCLA Division of Infectious Diseases has clinics throughout Los Angeles County, including locations in Encino, Santa Monica, Westwood and Torrance. Infectious disease physicians see patients with COVID-19 who may have other infectious complications. Many faculty members are also leading COVID-19 clinical trials, investigating therapies for both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients.

Please reach out to your primary care provider for a referral to either the infectious disease clinic or to be considered for a clinical trial

There are several treatments available for COVID-19. These have been granted emergency use authorization (“EUA”) by the FDA. The specific treatment depends on the severity of illness, the patient’s symptoms, and other factors. You should discuss treatment with your physician. Additionally UCLA Health is conducting multiple research studies on other treatments for COVID-19. 

Find more information about all of our COVID-19 clinical trials.

Yes. Three COVID-19 vaccines are currently authorized for emergency use by the FDA: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen. The Pfizer vaccine can be administered to people 16 years and older, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines can be administered to people 18 years and older. You can find more information on our vaccine information hub.

Click here for all current research and clinical trials related to COVID-19, which are open and actively recruiting volunteers.

If you have fully recovered from COVID-19, please consider donating plasma through our Convalescent Plasma Donation study.

The FDA approved the use of the antiviral drug remdesivir to treat patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Given by infusion, this treatment is widely available to UCLA Health patients and part of an ongoing clinical trial.

Find more information about all our COVID-19 clinical trials.

Dexamethasone is a steroid that can be given to people hospitalized with severe COVID-19 to reduce an overactive immune response. Dexamethasone is among multiple steroids widely available to UCLA Health patients.

Based on current information, there is no reason to avoid ibuprofen to manage COVID-19 symptoms.

Yes. The FDA authorized the emergency use of two monoclonal antibody treatments for symptomatic, high-risk COVID-19 patients in the outpatient setting in Dec. 2020. Given by infusion, this treatment shows promise at reducing hospitalization rates among particularly vulnerable adults.

We proactively offer this treatment to eligible patients if their diagnostic COVID-19 test is processed at a UCLA Health lab and returns a positive result.  If you recently tested positive for COVID-19 and your test was processed at an outside lab, please contact your primary care physician to see if you are eligible for a monoclonal antibody treatment.

UCLA Health also offers monoclonal antibody therapies for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 as part of ongoing clinical trials.

Additionally, in January 2021, new research showed that nursing home staff and residents given one of these monoclonal antibody drugs preventively before they were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 were significantly less likely to develop a symptomatic or serious COVID-19 infection once exposed. This suggests that monoclonal antibody therapy given proactively could prevent symptomatic COVID-19 disease. While this is an exciting development, data from this study has not been peer reviewed or published, and research is ongoing.

No. There are clinical trials testing the use of fluvoxamine and metformin to treat patients with COVID-19. UCLA Health is not participating in these trials, and neither drug has been approved for use.

UCLA infectious diseases experts strongly recommend against the use of fluvoxamine and metformin to treat or prevent COVID-19. Do not take these drugs unless they are prescribed by your doctor.

For more information, please consult your primary care physician.

There are three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use by the FDA.

• The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is given in two shots, 21 days apart, and is authorized for use in people 16 years of age and older.
• The Moderna vaccine is given in two shots, 28 days apart, and is authorized for use in people 18 and older.
• The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine is given as a single shot, and is authorized for use in people 18 and older.

There are also several other vaccines in various stages of clinical development.

All three authorized vaccines are given as an injection into the muscle. The Pfizer vaccine is given in two shots, three weeks apart. The Moderna vaccine is given in two shots, four weeks apart. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is given as a single shot.

If you receive a vaccine as part of a two-dose series, you must receive the same vaccine for both doses.

The Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines are about 95% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 illness about two weeks after both doses are received, according to FDA data.

The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine is about 66% effective at preventing moderate to severe COVID-19 illness and 85% effective at preventing severe COVID-19 illness 28 days after vaccination, according to FDA data.

According to clinical trials data, all of the authorized vaccines are 100% effective at preventing hospitalization and death related to COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccines increase the body’s immune response by making antibodies. These antibodies block the SARS-CoV-2 virus from injecting itself into human cells, thereby preventing it from reproducing and making you sick.

There are a few SARS-CoV-2 variants that scientists are actively tracking. These include the B.1.1.7 variant, first reported in the U.K.; the B.1.351 variant, first reported in South Africa; and the P.1 variant, first reported in Brazil. Research is underway to see how effective the currently authorized vaccines are against these variants.

As of early-2021, the vaccines all appear to offer significant protection against the known variants. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work as intended against the B.1.1.7 variant. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, while still protective, are less effective against the B.1.351 variant, which includes a mutation that impacts the spike protein’s ability to infect a cell. Moderna announced they are developing a booster shot to better target B.1.351 and other emerging strains.

The CDC has more information on these variants online.

No. You cannot become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from any of the vaccines.

The ingredients for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine are listed on the FDA website. None of the vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, eggs, preservatives or mercury.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use the same mRNA technology, but contain different ingredients to protect the mRNA, maintain the pH, and stabilize the solution. The ingredients include:

• Messenger RNA (mRNA) – the active ingredient that causes your body to produce antibodies
• Lipids – these create the fatty shell that protects the mRNA as it is stored, administered and delivered to cells
• Salts, sugar and other compounds – to maintain the proper pH balance and stabilize the vaccine

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses what’s known as “viral vector” technology. This means a harmless cold virus, adenovirus 26 (Ad26), is engineered to contain the gene for the SARS-CoV-2 “spike” protein. It also contains salts, sugar and buffers to maintain the pH and stabilize the solution. The ingredients include:

• Recombinant, replication-incompetent adenovirus type 26 expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein - the active ingredient that causes your body to produce antibodies
• Salts, sugar and other compounds - to maintain the pH balance and stabilize the vaccine. Full ingredient list: Citric acid monohydrate, trisodium citrate dihydrate, ethanol, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HBCD), polysorbate-80, sodium chloride.

The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen single dose COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for emergency use by the FDA on Feb. 27. In clinical trials, it was found to be 100% effective at preventing hospitalization and deaths related to COVID-19 and 72% effective at preventing moderate to severe COVID-19 illness in the United States, 28 days after vaccination. 

On April 13, following guidance from the CDC and the FDA, all California vaccine sites paused administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after six women (out of more than 6.8 million doses) reported developing a rare and severe blood clot within two weeks of receiving the vaccine.

On April 23, U.S. health officials lifted this pause after finding that that the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks. You can see the updated FDA fact sheet here, and the updated CDC guidance here. UCLA Health resumed administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on April 26.

If you receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and experience any signs of a blood clot, including severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath, contact your doctor or seek medical care immediately.

What’s different about this vaccine?
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses what’s known as “viral vector” technology. This means a harmless cold virus is engineered to contain the gene for the SARS-CoV-2 “spike” protein. Once someone gets this shot, their body mounts an immune response and produces antibodies that prevent them from a future severe COVID-19 infection.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine does not need to be transported frozen like the two currently authorized vaccines. This means it will be easier to store and distribute to smaller offices and outlying areas.

COVID-19 has killed more than half a million people in the United States. This is significantly more deaths than other viruses that we routinely vaccinate against, such as influenza, which typically causes 24,000 to 62,000 deaths in the U.S. per year, according to the CDC.

In addition to the high death toll, COVID-19 can also cause other long-term complications. The COVID-19 vaccine will save lives and decrease the likelihood of long term COVID-related problems involving the brain, heart and lungs.

COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and death rates are disproportionately higher in lower-income communities and communities of color. Vaccines are needed to stop the virus and prevent COVID-19’s devastating health, social and financial effects on lower-income communities of color.

No. Just like getting the flu vaccine shot is not mandatory, getting the COVID-19 vaccine will not be mandatory either. However, it will likely be highly encouraged as a way to protect yourself and those around you.

The FDA has confidently said that the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are safe, and has authorized them for emergency use. People who receive the vaccine will be monitored to check for safety, and participants in the original clinical trials will be followed for two years.

We understand there may be skepticism about the COVID-19 vaccine, especially among people of color, because of historical medical racism and experimentation in people of color. The COVID-19 clinical trials included people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, and the vaccines were found to be safe and effective for all participants.

All of the authorized vaccines work by helping your body produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that help fight infections from viruses, bacteria and other germs. Mild symptoms are common as when the body produces antibodies, and are not a sign of infection.

In ongoing clinical trials, the most common side effects included:

• Pain at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Joint pain
• Mild fever

Side effects are generally mild and went away after a day or two. For the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, they are likely to be more pronounced after the second shot.

A few people who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine experienced rare blood clots along with a low level of platelets within two weeks of their vaccination. The incidence of this side effect is about 1 in 1 million. If you receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and experience any sign of a blood clot or low platelets, including severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pain, shortness of breath, or easy bruising or tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the site of injection, contact your doctor or seek medical care immediately.

As with any vaccine, there is a low chance of allergic reaction. If you have a history of severe allergic reaction to other vaccines, please talk to your doctor about whether you should receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Yes. Mild adverse reactions, such as soreness at the injection site, body and muscle aches, fatigue, and mild fever, are common. Serious adverse reactions may occur but are very rare.

Of the millions of COVID-19 vaccinations that have now been given in the United States, there have been a small percentage of adverse reactions reported through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). There have been less than 75 cases of anaphylaxis (serious life-threatening allergic reaction) reported out of 6 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna administered. This is within an expected level for a vaccine.

All UCLA Health facilities providing COVID-19 shots have staff with proper training and resources to care for those that experience adverse reactions.

No, but you should not get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine or if you had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine.

Below is some additional information and context.

• Between Dec. 21, 2020 and Jan. 10, 2021, more than 4 million first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were administered in the United States.   
• Within this group, 1,266 adverse events were submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), representing 0.03% of vaccinations.
• From this list, 108 were identified as possible cases of severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.
• Of these case reports, 10 cases were determined to be anaphylaxis, including 9 in people with a documented history of allergies or allergic reactions, 5 of whom had a previous history of anaphylaxis. This represents a rate of 2.5 anaphylaxis cases per million Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses administered.

All UCLA Health facilities providing COVID-19 shots have staff with proper training and resources to care for those that experience adverse reactions. Please talk to your doctor if you have additional questions.

If you take aspirin, acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil) for a medical reason, you can continue to take it as directed. However, we suggest that you do not take any of these medicines before getting your vaccine shot because they could dull your body’s immune response.

If you have a fever or body aches after being vaccinated, you may take these medicines as needed.

It is better to get vaccinated. Getting the actual COVID-19 disease is much worse.

When the virus that causes COVID-19 infects a cell, it injects all of its own genetic material into the cell and begins replicating itself. Contracting the virus can cause both direct damage to cells and inflammation, which can harm your entire body.

With the vaccine, your body gets instructions to build antibodies that keep the spike protein from ever infecting your cells.

Yes. Any type of vaccination can impact mammography results. Here's what you need to know:

• When you get the COVID-19 vaccine or any other vaccination, the normal immune response may cause you to develop swollen lymph nodes under the arm in which you received the vaccine injection.
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm can be seen on a mammogram and can be a rare sign of breast cancer.
• Swollen lymph nodes from a vaccination are normal and likely to normalize after about four weeks.

Based on this information, the current recommendation from the Society of Breast Imaging is that anyone due for a screening mammogram either schedule it before their COVID-19 vaccination or at least four weeks after vaccination. If that isn't possible, just let your make sure to let your doctor know when you received your COVID-19 vaccination so they can note that information on your medical record.

We don’t know. Clinical trials for the authorized vaccines tested their ability to prevent symptomatic COVID-19 disease in vaccinated individuals. The trials did not test if vaccinated individuals could still become infected with COVID-19 or transmit the illness. But just because this wasn’t tested in the clinical trials doesn’t mean the COVID-19 vaccine isn’t preventing vaccinated individuals from catching and transmitting the disease. Based on experience with other vaccines and early data, it is likely that people who are vaccinated will at most have an asymptomatic illness, and will be less likely to pass the virus to others.

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. It’s possible to become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just after vaccination or between the first and second dose and still get sick.

It’s also possible to still get COVID-19 even after you are vaccinated, as none of the vaccines are 100% effective or guarantee 100% protection. However, if you are fully vaccinated and get COVID-19, early data shows you are likely to have a mild or asymptomatic case.

We do not know yet. Clinical studies for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines showed that they were still effective six months after the second shot. Trial participants will be followed for two years. After that, we should know more about how long immunity lasts.

For most people, the answer is yes. The vaccine is currently authorized for use in people 16 years of age and older.

You should talk to your health care provider before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine if any of the following apply:

• You have allergies
• You have a bleeding disorder
• You are on a blood thinner
• You are immunocompromised
• You are on a medication that affects your immune system
• You are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• You are breastfeeding
• You have a fever
• You have received another COVID-19 vaccine

You should also talk to your doctor if you have any questions, either in general or specific to your medical history.

You should not get the vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine, or if you had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine.

You should not get the vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine, or if you had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine.

You can find the ingredients and fact sheets for the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccines here.

You must be 16 years of age and older to receive the Pfizer vaccine, and 18 years of age and older to receive the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Yes. There is not currently enough information available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again, so you should still get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have already recovered. You cannot receive the vaccine if you have an active COVID-19 infection.

Yes. If you recently received monoclonal antibody therapy or convalescent plasma to treat a COVID-19 infection, you should defer your vaccination for at least 90 days from when you last received that therapy. If you received this therapy after your first vaccine dose but before your second, you should defer your second dose for at least 90 days following receipt of the therapy.

If you are receiving antibody therapies not specific to COVID-19 treatment, such as intravenous immunoglobulin, you do not need to wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

The CDC recommends that the COVID-19 vaccine should be administered alone, with a minimum interval of 14 days before or after receiving any other vaccine. If the COVID-19 vaccine is inadvertently administered within 14 days of another vaccine, doses do not need to be repeated for either vaccine.

Yes. Pregnant women have two options – to get a vaccine when it’s available to them or to wait for more information about how the vaccine affects pregnant women, since they were not included in clinical trials. This is a decision best made in collaboration with a health care professional who knows your personal medical history.

The American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recommend that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals who meet criteria for vaccination. UCLA Health also stands by this statement from the ACOG and SMFM regarding the World Health Organization's position on this topic.

The COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to people who are lactating/breastfeeding. Although lactating individuals were not part of the vaccine clinical trials, based on experience with other vaccines, the benefits of vaccine outweigh any safety concerns. You do not have to delay or stop breastfeeding if you receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers additional guidance on this topic.

Yes, you can safely get the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine if you’ve received injectable dermal fillers. Infrequently, people who have received dermal fillers may develop swelling at or near the site of filler injection (usually in the face or lips) after a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This appears to be temporary and can resolve with medical treatment, including corticosteroid therapy. Please reach out to your primary care physician if you have any questions.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is currently authorized for people 16 and older and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for people 18 and older. Before a vaccine can be offered to children under 16, clinical trials must be run in different age groups to test its safety and effectiveness.

Pfizer and Moderna are currently running clinical trials to test their vaccines in kids 12 and older. On April 9, Pfizer requested that their Emergency Use Authorization be expanded to include adolescents ages 12 to 15 after their trial showed the vaccine was safe and effective in this group.

Moderna recently announced that they are recruiting children between 6 months and 12 years of age for a new clinical trial, while Johnson & Johnson announced they will also run a clinical trial to test their vaccine in children 12 to 18 years, followed immediately by studies to test the vaccine in newborns through adolescents and pregnant women. The timeline of when those trials will start or end has not been announced.

In most cases, yes. People with medical problems can and should receive the vaccine if they do not have a severe allergy to the ingredients in the vaccine. This includes people living with HIV, autoimmune disorders, such as Lupus, or any other medical problem that leads to a weakened immune system. If you have questions, please talk to your doctor.

Yes. If you are a transplant recipient, you should get vaccinated. Discuss optimal timing to receive your vaccine with your transplant doctor. One of the easiest ways to connect with your doctor is through the myUCLAhealth patient portal. If you do not have an account, please create one today.

For additional guidance on this topic, please see information from The Transplantation Society and the American Society of Transplantation.

In general, the answer is yes. COVID-19 poses a much greater risk to your health than the risks posed by vaccination. There may be special circumstances in which individuals awaiting a transplant should not be vaccinated, such as if they had a very recent transplant or are receiving treatment for transplant organ rejection or allergic reactions. Please contact your transplant team before you receive any vaccination.

Reach out to your clinical trial study team coordinator with questions about your eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology, used in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, is new, but not unknown. While this is the first time mRNA has been used in a licensed vaccine, the structure and technology have been studied for years. Advancements in biology and chemistry have improved mRNA vaccine safety and efficacy, and it is now thought to be less dangerous than other types of vaccines.

No, the COVID-19 vaccines do not contain aborted fetal cells. However, Johnson & Johnson did use fetal cell lines — not fetal tissue — when developing and producing their vaccine, while Pfizer and Moderna used fetal cell lines to test their vaccines and make sure that they work.

Fetal cell lines are grown in a laboratory and were started with cells from elective abortions that occurred several decades ago in the 1970s-80s. They are now thousands of generations removed from the original fetal tissue. None of the COVID-19 vaccines use fetal cells derived from recent abortions.

We understand this is a sensitive issue, and specifically important to religious communities. We’d like to provide some additional context on this topic. On Jan. 27, the California Catholic Conference noted in an official statement that they support the use of all COVID-19 vaccines, including the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, to prevent the continued spread of COVID-19. Pope Francis also publicly supported COVID-19 vaccination and the Vatican has issued a statement saying it is morally acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process.

No, the vaccines were not made too quickly. Given the importance of stopping the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine experts focused their time on developing safe and effective vaccines by using pre-existing vaccine models that have been studied for years.

Each vaccine was developed and tested following the same rules as other medications and vaccines that have been approved for use, such as antibiotics and the flu shot.

No. There is no way for the COVID-19 vaccine to alter your genetic material (DNA).

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. RNA is a short-lived, temporary messenger, and it only works in one direction. This means that the RNA does not interact with your DNA and never enters the part of the cell where your DNA is located.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses viral vector technology. This means a harmless cold virus (adenovirus 26) is engineered to contain the gene for the SARS-CoV-2 “spike” protein. Once someone gets this shot, their body mounts an immune response and produces antibodies that prevent them from a future severe COVID-19 infection. The genetic material delivered by viral vector does not interact with your DNA.

No. The vaccine was created by expert scientists, not the government. The U.S. government provided money and support to assist in the production and distribution of the vaccine.

The vaccine does not contain a live or whole virus, microchip, or any other harmful items. Each vaccine was developed and tested following the same rules as other medications and vaccines that have been approved for use, such as antibiotics and the flu shot.

No. There’s absolutely no evidence that the vaccine interferes with fertility or pregnancy.

The vaccine includes only one protein of the virus, which causes your immune system to respond against it. This is something our bodies are used to — it happens every day.

There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine will cause autoimmune problems. The immune response caused by the vaccine only targets the spike protein of the virus, not the other cells in your body.

No. UCLA Health is working with the CDC and California Department of Public Health to make sure that everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be able to do so in an equitable and orderly way. However, additional vaccine educational outreach is being made to communities of color to help stop the high rates of COVID-19 infection, hospitalizations, and death seen in Black, Latino, and Indigenous people.

The US has a history of medical racism and unethical experimentation on people of color. The National Research Act of 1974 outlawed unethical human experimentation on people of color and other vulnerable groups.

The COVID-19 vaccines were created by people of diverse backgrounds and reviewed by leading doctors and scientists of color, including the president of Meharry School of Medicine. The vaccines were tested in people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds and was found to be safe and effective.

The COVID-19 vaccines have been endorsed by the National Medical Association and the National Hispanic Medical Association, the country’s leading organizations of Black and Latino doctors.

No. UCLA Health will continue to receive vaccines produced by different manufacturers, and for now, patients will not be able to choose which vaccine they receive.

If you receive a vaccine that needs two doses, it is important that you receive the same vaccine for both doses. For example, if you receive the Pfizer vaccine for your first dose, you must get a Pfizer vaccine for your second dose. This is the same for the Moderna vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is only one dose.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free. If you have insurance, your insurance provider may be charged for the vaccine administration, but there will be no out-of-pocket cost for you. If you don’t have insurance, there is no cost.

If you are a UCLA Health patient, the best way to schedule your vaccination is through the online patient portal, myUCLAhealth. If you’re unable to login to myUCLAhealth, you can contact the support team at 855-364-7052.

Once you’re logged in, select “Visits” from the top navigation and then “Schedule an Appointment.” Choose “COVID Vaccine” as the reason for your appointment, select whether this is your first or second dose appointment, and then choose the location, date and time that works for you.

If there are no available appointments in myUCLAhealth, keep checking back. We open appointment slots daily.

You can also schedule a vaccination appointment through one of the following:

• California State My Turn portal
• LA County appointments
• City of LA appointments
• Ventura County
• Orange County
• Vaccine Finder website

No, please do not check in with or show up at our vaccine sites to see if extra doses are available. In order to avoid wasting doses, we book all appointment slots. Please remain patient, and do not come to our offices without an appointment.

The second vaccination dose should be received 21 days after the first dose for the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days after the first dose for the Moderna vaccine.

The CDC offered additional guidance on this topic, noting that if it is not feasible to receive the second dose within the recommended interval, it may be scheduled up to six weeks (42 days) after the first dose. While there is limited data on how well vaccines administered beyond this window will work, if a second dose is given beyond the six-week window, the CDC notes that there is no need to restart the series.

Getting the vaccine will keep you safe and other people safe who cannot receive the vaccine. It is important that everyone who can get the vaccine get it so that we can end the pandemic through herd immunity.

If you are concerned about potential long-term side effects related to vaccination, please note that all previous vaccine studies show that serious vaccine-related side effects normally occur within 6-8 weeks (2 months) after a vaccine shot. More than 100,000 people received the vaccine more than 6 months ago and there have been no serious side effects.

We recommend that you schedule your vaccination appointment as soon as you’re eligible. While our goal is to offer vaccinations close to where patients live or work, we may not be able to offer the COVID-19 vaccine at your regular doctor’s office.

Yes. You can book a second dose appointment in myUCLAhealth if the appropriate slot is available. Once you’re logged into myUCLAhealth, select “Visits” from the top navigation and then “Schedule an Appointment.” Choose “COVID Vaccine” as the reason for your appointment, note that this is your second dose appointment along with what vaccine type you received and on what date, and then choose the offered location, date and time that works for you.

If you have already been vaccinated, UCLA Health eventually will be notified by the state, which keeps a registry of people who are vaccinated and shares it with us. There have been some delays and we may have not received that notification yet. But, there is no need to take action. When we are notified, we will make sure to update your chart.

Yes. While data suggest the FDA-authorized vaccines are very effective, no vaccine is 100% effective, and we do not yet know how long immunity will last after getting the required shots. Therefore, we must continue to follow public health guidelines, such as wearing a face covering, practicing physical distancing, and avoiding indoor crowds. UCLA Health will continue to follow universal masking in all medical clinics and hospitals even after employees and patients receive the vaccine.

Yes. According to CDC guidance from March 8, fully vaccinated people can:

• Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks
• Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease without wearing masks
• Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure, if asymptomatic

The CDC still recommends wearing a well-fitted mask in public and when visiting with unvaccinated people that are at a high risk for severe COVID-19 disease. This includes unvaccinated household members of people that are high risk for severe COVID-19 disease. Fully vaccinated people should also avoid medium and large sized in-person gatherings.

According to CDC guidance, fully vaccinated people who have been exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 do not need to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Are fully vaccinated, meaning it’s been at least 2 weeks since they received their second dose in a two-dose series or at least 2 weeks since they received a single-dose vaccine
• Are within 3 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
• Have not had symptoms since the COVID-19 exposure

If they do not meet all three criteria, they should still follow current quarantine guidance.

Information on vaccinations for UCLA faculty, staff and students is available on UCLA’s COVID-19 resource website (covid-19.ucla.edu).

As of March 1, 2021, invitations are being sent to those members of the campus community who are eligible for vaccination, as supplies are available. You will receive an email when it is your turn to self-schedule your appointment. You can find more information on campus prioritization and distribution here.

UCLA has hosted several town hall events to discuss the university’s planned approach to vaccine distribution and what to expect in the next few months. You can view these events online.

The quickest answer is, we don’t know.

Scientists are currently studying how long immunity might last after a COVID-19 infection. Until there is a clear answer, continue to follow the recommended advice on how to protect yourself from COVID-19 and wash your hands, wear a mask, and follow physical distancing guidelines.

Herd immunity is when enough of a population has built up immunity to a virus that it can no longer easily spread. Researchers estimate that the United States would reach herd immunity for COVID-19 only after at least 60% to 70% of the population — about 200 million people —has had COVID-19 or been vaccinated. Read more about herd immunity in this blog post.

In general, pregnant women are at higher risk for developing complications from some viral respiratory infections because their immune defenses are lowered during pregnancy. While there is not much data on COVID-19 in pregnancy, a study found that pregnant women are at increased risk for severe illness.

Pregnant women should follow the current recommended preventive actions to avoid infection, such as wearing a mask, washing their hands, avoiding contact with people who are sick, and following physical distancing guidelines.

If you are pregnant and are worried you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or you are sick, stay home and call your doctor.

As you know, prenatal visits occur every four weeks in the first and second trimester, every two weeks until 36 weeks and then weekly until birth. We usually check your blood pressure, monitor your weight and check baby’s heart rate at every visit. Given the pandemic of COVID-19, we may modify the schedule and reduce the frequency of these visits based on essential pregnancy testing and indicated medical care during testing. Your provider may offer telehealth visits and limit in-person visits to decrease the potential exposure to COVID-19. Please talk to your physician or midwife and follow their instructions.

To learn more about coronavirus precautions for pregnant women watch COVID-19 in pregnancy video with Drs. Afshar and Rao.

Yes. Given UCLA Health’s rigorous infection-prevention protocols, we believe that it is very safe for you to deliver your baby at UCLA-affiliated hospitals.

Based on the CDC recommendations, please do not come to Labor and Delivery, the hospital, or the outpatient clinic setting without calling your provider first to determine if a face-to-face evaluation is needed. Other alternatives may be available.

Any patient with fever and respiratory symptoms, regardless of travel history, will be provided a mask to wear, be placed in their own room promptly, and evaluated by essential health care providers wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Throughout labor and delivery, you will be asked to wear a surgical mask at the time of delivery to decrease potential exposure of the newborn, healthcare personnel, and other labor and delivery patients to infection. To limit possible exposures, no visitors are allowed. For more information about the companion policy, please see: https://www.uclahealth.org/coronavirus

Visitors in Labor and Delivery are limited to one support person – spouse, partner, doula, etc. – during your labor. Healthy visitors will be educated to clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after touching the patient or the newborn. Nurses will screen all visitors for signs/symptoms of fever and respiratory illness. A visitor with febrile respiratory symptoms will not be allowed to be the support person for a laboring mother.  Unfortunately, during this pandemic, and to limit possible exposures, visitors will be restricted from postpartum and nursery.

If you have confirmed or probable COVID-19, you will likely be moved during the postpartum period to a negative pressure room to prevent potential spread of infection. If you have suspected COVID-19, you will be in a routine postpartum room with the door closed. Transmission of COVID-19 after birth via contact with infectious respiratory secretions remains a concern, but this is based on limited data. It is unknown whether newborns with COVID-19 are at increased risk for severe complications, therefore the risks and benefits of temporary separation of you and your baby should be discussed with your healthcare team.

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants. However, according to the CDC, little is known about COVID-19. Whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by you in coordination with your family and healthcare providers. If you are temporarily separated from your baby and intend to breastfeed, we encourage you to express your breast milk to establish and maintain milk supply. A dedicated breast pump will be provided. Prior to expressing breast milk, you should practice hand hygiene. If possible, consider having a healthy person feed the expressed breast milk to your baby. If you and your newborn baby are rooming-in and you wish to feed your baby at the breast, you will be asked to wear a new surgical mask and practice hand hygiene before each feeding.

In limited recent case series of infants born to mothers with COVID-19 published in the peer-reviewed literature, the virus was not detected in samples of amniotic fluid or breast milk.

As the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to spread across the globe, so do fears and anxiety surrounding the virus.

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. And while it is normal to feel anxious before starting a new job or speaking in public, too much anxiety can be unhealthy. Read more about coping with coronavirus fears and anxiety.

Also, take a moment to watch this video featuring UCLA Health psychiatrist Jenna Lee, MD.

We are open. If you have a medical procedure, appointment or screening that you would like to schedule, we're here to help. Please contact your doctor through my.uclahealth.org, call 310-825-2631 or complete new patient appointment request.

While many health care needs can be managed through telehealth or video visits, you should be assured that we have implemented the most effective infection prevention policies for our patients and staff so that you can feel safe when coming in for care.

UCLA Health has made it a priority to service patients with surgical cases that may have been postponed and those who are seeking enhanced diagnostic testing. If your appointment is scheduled within the next 7 days and/or if you have any concerns about pending treatments, you should contact your doctor to discuss the best course of action for your personal situation at 310-825-2631.

Many primary care and specialty care providers have the capability to do a video visit (virtual visit). We are trying to convert as many in-person visits as possible to telemedicine (video visits). Some appointments warrant in-person visits. Please call your doctor's office directly or 310-825-2631 to schedule your video visit. Learn more about video visits here.

As a tertiary and quaternary medical center, UCLA Health will continue to treat patients who rely on us for their health and safety.

For the most up-to-date information from UCLA Health, please visit our Coronavirus site or call our Patient Hotline at 310-267-3300, 7 days a week , from 7 am to 7 pm. Calls received outside of business hours will be returned the following business day.

Other resources include: LA County Department of Public Health | CDC Coronavirus Information | WHO (World Health Organization) COVID-19 Report

How your in-person doctor’s appointment visit will work:
When you arrive at the clinic a UCLA Health employee will greet you outside, take your temperature and ask you a few questions about any symptoms you're experiencing that may be related to COVID-19. Your visitor will undergo the same screening (see our visitor policy here).

Everyone will then be provided with a mask to wear, if needed, and you will be escorted into an exam room, where members of your health care team will provide your care. UCLA Health staff will also be wearing masks to maximize infection prevention.

For information about dental or orthodontist services or appointments, visit the UCLA School of Dentistry Patient Care page.

We offer a full array of surgical procedures from complex to non-emergency surgeries. To schedule your surgery, please reach out to your provider through my.uclahealth.org.

No. Please do not delay preventive care appointments because you’re concerned about COVID-19. We have rigorous infectious prevention policies in all of our more than 200 medical clinics and hospitals. Talk to your primary care physician if you have any questions.

May I visit friends and family in the hospital?

Hospital COVID-19 Visitor Guidelines:
Please see new hospital visitor guidelines here.

Outpatient COVID-19 Visitor Guidelines:
Every UCLA Health patient can bring one healthy person with them to appointments in the outpatient setting. This person can be a family member or support person who is necessary to help the patient during the visit or to help the patient return home.

Please note: Visitors presenting with visible signs of fever, cough or other flu-like symptoms will be politely asked to wait outside the office.

Yes. We regularly treat patients with infectious diseases and complex illnesses and have rigorous infection-prevention protocols. Our infectious disease specialists are highly trained, in continual contact with local, state and federal public health officials and closely monitoring developments.

All patients being admitted via our emergency departments will be tested for COVID-19, as will all patients undergoing surgery or procedures at Ronald Reagan, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Centers and many of our other clinical facilities.

All of our more than 200 medical clinics and hospitals have rigorous infection prevention policies in place, including:

• Pre-screening for patients, visitors and staff before they enter a medical clinic or hospital, which includes a temperature check and symptom monitoring
• Visitor restriction policies
• Universal masking
• Physical distancing in all shared spaces
• Enhanced disinfection and sterilization procedures in exam rooms and on high-touch surfaces, such as elevator buttons and digital screens
• Diagnostic COVID-19 testing for patients before most surgeries and procedures

Feel free to call your primary or specialty care clinic for specific details about infection prevention practices at that location.

Our physicians are also available for telemedicine appointments and video visits if you don't require an in-person visit.

We follow enhanced disinfection and sterilization procedures in exam rooms, on all machines after every patient, and on high-touch surfaces, such as elevator buttons and digital screens.

While we recognize that all of us must remain vigilant with face covering, physical distancing and hand washing, we value the importance of our patients’ families and friends in the healing process. New visitor guidelines have been put in place so that patients can now begin receiving visitors.

The coronavirus is found in respiratory particles, or air, from an infected person. Large respiratory droplets are released when someone sneezes, coughs, sings or talks. Most people are infected when they breathe in these large droplets.

Scientists now agree that some people are infected through this respiratory mist, that can travel further and linger in the air longer, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.

To read more about airborne transmission study and report at the CDC, visit the CDC website.

Yes. All Californians must wear a mask or face covering when outside of their home, with limited exceptions. For more about the expanded mask guidance, visit the California Department of Public Health site.

To learn more about the critical role mask wearing plays in limiting the spread of COVID-19, visit the UCLA Health connect blog.

The CDC updated their guidance on this topic, noting that not all masks provide the same protection.

You can continue to wear one quality mask with at least two layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric, and make sure you are wearing it properly. This means it should completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face and under your chin, without gaps. Select a mask with a nose wire at top, which you can bend over your nose to ensure a good fit, and make sure your cloth masks blocks light from coming through the fabric if held up to a bright light source.

The CDC notes that another option is to wear one disposable mask with a cloth mask on top, which will push the inner mask against your face. A mask fitter or brace can also be worn over a disposable or cloth mask to prevent air from leaking around the edges. 

The CDC notes that you should NOT:

• Wear an N95 respirator, which should only be used in health care settings. 
• Wear a face shield without a mask underneath
• Wear two disposable masks
• Combine a KN95 mask with any other mask
• Wear a mask with exhalation valves or vents, which allows virus particles to escape 
• Wear a single layer mask made of thin fabric

See more CDC information on how to improve the fit and filtration of your mask.

The best protection against COVID-19 is to stay healthy and to avoid getting sick. For you and your family, the best protections include:

• Wearing a mask
• Watching your distance
• Washing your hands
• Avoiding indoor gatherings

To read more on best protection guidelines from our experts, visit the UCLA Health connect blog.

Visit the CDC site for guidelines on sickness prevention.

Research suggests that COVID-19 lives for up to 72 hours on hard, shiny surfaces and up to 24 hours on cardboard, paper and fabric. It is not known if the virus present on surfaces remains infectious, surfaces suspected of contamination should be disinfected.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

For the most up-to-date information from UCLA Health, please visit our Coronavirus site or call our Patient Hotline Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm at 310-267-3300. Calls received outside of business hours will be returned the following business day.

There is currently no evidence that someone can be infected through mail or packages. But, it is a good idea to open and discard packages outside and to then wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. For more on safety guidelines for daily life, visit the CDC website.

It is thought to be safe to order food from restaurants. Additional helpful steps could include to wipe down the packaging and containers with a sanitizer, and removing the food from the container, transferring it to clean plate and washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds prior to eating. There’s no evidence to suggest coronavirus is transmitted through food.

In the current context, “social distancing” really means physical distancing and refers to staying at least 6 feet away from people to help avoid getting sick.

For guidelines to keep you, your family, and Los Angeles safe, including outdoor activities, visit the LA Coronavirus FAQs page.

If you have experienced close contact (defined as less than 6 feet away for more than 10 minutes) with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, then you should self-quarantine for 14 days. COVID-19 symptoms typically appear within 2-14 days.

Individuals should call their personal doctor if they have come in close contact with a person who has COVID-19. For more information please reference the CDC’s site with information on what to do if you are sick.

To properly self-quarantine, separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

If you or a member of your household is sick or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, you or the infected person should stay isolated at home.

Here are some first steps:

• Isolate infected person in one room to keep the virus away from others

• Wear masks when sharing spaces to reduce the chance of transmission

• Avoid sharing personal items, such as food and drinks; keep laundry separate

• If possible, avoid sharing a bathroom.

For a complete list of isolation guidelines from the CDC, visit the CDC website. Or view this UCLA Health blog post on how to care for someone with COVID-19 at home.

For more information on quarantine bubbles, please see this blog post, written by two primary care physicians.

Data has shown that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes older adults as well as people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.

In general, pregnant women are at higher risk for developing complications from some viral respiratory infections because their immune defenses are lowered during pregnancy. While there is not much data on COVID-19 in pregnancy, a study found that pregnant women are at increased risk for severe illness.

Pregnant women should follow the current recommended preventive actions to avoid infection, such as wearing a mask, washing their hands, avoiding contact with people who are sick, and following physical distancing guidelines.

If you are pregnant and are worried you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or you are sick, stay home and call your doctor.

To learn more about coronavirus precautions for pregnant women watch COVID-19 in pregnancy video with Dr. Afshar and Rao or refer to the Pregnancy & COVID-19 section above.

Data has shown that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes adults age 65 years and older and those who live in nursing homes. The following medical conditions are considered high risk to a person of any age.

• Chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions
• Immunocompromised people resulting from cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
• Severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
• Liver disease

Your prescription insurance plan, state law, and the medication type determine the quantity of medication or supplies you can fill at one time. Try these steps:

• Call your plan for information about mail order options, 90 day supply requests, and early fills
• If authorized by your plan, contact the pharmacy that fills your prescriptions to request a 3-month supply
• If needed, contact the doctor’s office to approve refills or to transfer prescriptions to a mail order pharmacy

All UCLA retail pharmacies in both campuses including UCLA specialty pharmacy are open with regular operating hours and can be reached at 310-206-DRUG.

Patients looking for alternative ways to access their prescriptions that are ready at one of the UCLA retail pharmacies, can receive medications via mail delivery. UCLA pharmacies are waiving delivery fees for all eligible prescriptions.

• Patients should talk to their pharmacists to confirm their prescriptions are eligible for delivery
• They can also send a representative to pick up their medications on their behalf if they choose
• Some UCLA pharmacies are offering curbside pickup for convenience and social distancing

To reach our UCLA retail pharmacies, please call 310-206DRUG (310-206-3784).

To contact UCLA Health Department of Pharmacy Services, Ambulatory & Community Practices, call: 323-22DRUGS (323-223-7847).

Yes. Some Medicare Part D plans allow “refill too soon” overrides under certain circumstances. For more information, please visit www.cms.gov or call your part D plan provider directly.

If you feel unwell, particularly if you have a fever, intense achiness, coughing, or trouble breathing, it is very important to contact your doctor immediately for assistance direction. Typical OTC medications and their use is below.

• Acetaminophen (TYLENOL) may be used to help with fever
• Dextromethorphan (DELSYM) may be used to help with cough
• Guaifenesin (ROBITUSSIN) may be used to help with secretions
• Loratadine (CLARITIN) may be used to help with allergic symptoms
• Famotidine (PEPCID) may be used to help with stomach acid or heartburn
• Simethicone (MYLICON) may be used to help with gas

Always follow the dosing instructions and do not take more than the recommended doses listed on the product packages.

• Generic and prescription ranitidine products may contain a contaminant known as NDMA. NDMA, taken in large amounts for a very long time, may increase the risk of cancer.
• Any OTC products should be discontinued. Please read the labels on antacids, reflux or heartburn products to check if they contain ranitidine. If taking as a prescription, check with your doctor first before making any changes.
• Other products that are similar to ranitidine have NOT been shown to contain NDMA. The closest equivalent is Famotidine (Pepcid).

According to the FDA, there is no evidence that the use of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, can worsen COVID-19 symptoms at this time. Currently, the FDA is investigating this issue and will provide more information when it is available. Speak to your health care provider if you are concerned about taking NSAIDs or rely on these medications to treat a chronic illness. For a more detailed discussion, please visit UCLA Health Connect blog, NSAID article. Dr. Otto Yang, an infectious disease expert at UCLA, comments on the issue in depth.

No. Both the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend that you keep taking your ACE or ARB medications. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease and are diagnosed with COVID-19, it is very important to discuss with your doctor before adding or removing any treatments.

No. It is very important to discuss with your doctor before adding or removing any treatments. Contact your doctor to build an individual plan based on your specific situation.

• Ask if your pharmacy delivers. Many of them do.
• Arrange for a friend or family member to pick them up for you. Call ahead and let the pharmacist know.
• Some pharmacies are not physically accepting credit cards or cash from patients in order to avoid close contact. When you contact your pharmacist, ask how they prefer to be paid.
• Consider using your insurance’s mail order pharmacy, which can deliver medications in a 3-month supply.
• UCLA Health doctors are offering secure, private video visits for patients. Please contact your doctor’s office to set up an appointment.

Contact your doctor. It is not known if pregnant women are at a greater risk from COVID-19. Additional information can be found on the UCLA Health OBGYN website.

Many pharmacies are offering to bring your prescriptions to you at the curb or in the parking lot. Call ahead and see if this is an option. However, given the current situation, please be patient as there may be a wait.
Some pharmacies are not physically accepting credit cards or cash from patients in order to avoid close contact. When you contact your pharmacist, ask how they prefer to be paid.

• ACE & ARB drugs and COVID-19:
  Patients taking ACE-i and ARBs who contract COVID-19 should continue treatment, unless otherwise advised by their physician: Statement from the American Heart Association, the Heart Failure Society of America and the American College of Cardiology, 2020 Mar 17. Learn more >
• Chronic Illness and COVID-19:
  Fang L et al. Are patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus at increased risk for COVID-19 infection? Lancet Respir Med 2020 Mar 11 [e-pub]. Learn more >
• NSAIDs and COVID-19:
  FDA advises patients on use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for COVID-19, 2020 March 19. Learn more >
• Ranitidine (Zantac) recall: Learn more >
• UCLA Health Department of Pharmacy Services Ambulatory & Community Practices
  For questions, call: (323) 22DRUGS (323-223-7847)
• To reach our UCLA retail pharmacies located in Westwood and Santa Monica, please call (310) 206DRUG (310-206-3784).
  200 Medical Plaza, level 1 pharmacy
  UCLA Specialty Pharmacy
  200 Medical Plaza, level 4 pharmacy
  Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, outpatient pharmacy
  CHS outpatient pharmacy
  UCLA 16th street pharmacy
• General information about coronavirus
• Center for Disease Control website
• NSAID Expert opinion
• Pregnancy and coronavirus FAQs

What is PPE?
Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazard or illness. This includes gloves, masks, eye protection, respirators, gowns and more.

For more on PPE donations or philanthropic support for research and education, click here.

Our COVID-19 hotline is open every day, from 7am – 7pm. The number is 310-267-3300. Calls received outside of business hours will be returned the following business day.

California is under a Stay at Home Order currently, which orders all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors. This Order  could change at any time. Please visit the Stay at Home Order page for updates.

The CDC has reported that it is aware of on a small number of pets, including cats and dogs, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. For more on animal care and developments, visit the CDC Animal Care page.

There is no evidence the coronavirus survives in well-maintained swimming pools and hot tubs, however physical distance advice still applies. If you’re planning to go to the pool, stay away from other people. For more information about pool safety, visit the CDC’s guidance on aquatic venues.

UCLA Health encourages patients to closely follow the Los Angeles Safer at Home order and check the Safer at Home website for any updates. If you live in another county, please visit the California Dept of Public Health or your county website for more information.

The California COVID-19 website features the latest information on COVID-19 in the state, including guidelines for the Stay-at-Home order.

For advice on online learning, supporting your child’s social and emotional development, nutrition and more, click here.

We advise cancer patients minimize their exposure to COVID-19 by limiting direct contact with friends and family (who do not share the same household as the patient). We also recommend that patients practice good handwashing hygiene, physical distancing, wearing a mask in public, and also clean and sanitize high-touch areas, such as counter tops and doorknobs on a daily basis.