Protect your loved ones and neighbors from COVID-19

Member / Health Tips

COVID-19

COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but there are certain people who are more likely to get very sick and need to be hospitalized. Anyone with COVID-19 can spread it to others, even if they do not have any symptoms.

This information will help you stay informed about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting and spreading COVID-19. visit the California Department of Public Health website for the most up to date information.

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How to protect yourself and others

If you think you may have COVID-19, learn more about getting tested. If you are worried about your health, call your primary care provider (PCP). HPSM also has a nurse advice line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no cost to members. Call HPSM’s Nurse Advice Line at 1-833-846-8773 if your primary care provider (PCP) is not available. Learn more about the Nurse Advice Line.

Tips to avoid spreading COVID-19

  • Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) or local pharmacy if you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and how to get vaccinated.
  • If you are in a higher risk group, be sure to get the most recent COVID-19 vaccine to lower your chance of getting COVID-19 and getting very sick if you do.
  • Stay home and isolate yourself from others if you are sick
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow if you sneeze or cough
  • Wash your hands often and clean surfaces you touch, especially after you sneeze or cough
  • Wear a mask on public transportation or when flying
  • Maintain social distance if you or others are feeling sick
  • If you would like to get care by phone or video, ask your provider if they offer virtual care. Many providers can give you advice over the phone or see you by video. This service is fully covered by HPSM.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others, visit the California Department of Public Health website.

Are you in a higher-risk group?

There are certain people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. It’s important for those who are high-risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 to get the most recent COVID-19 vaccine and take extra precautions. 

People who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 include:

  • Infants and toddlers 6 to 23 months old.
  • Adults 65 years or older (the older you are, the higher the risk of getting very sick from COVID-19).
  • People who are pregnant.
  • Have never had the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • People who have certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease or kidney, liver or lung disease.

If any of the above apply to you, talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about what steps you can take to protect yourself from COVID-19, including getting the COVID-19 vaccine. If you think you may have COVID-19, talk to your PCP about whether COVID-19 treatment is right for you.

Learn more about which groups are at higher-risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 from the California Department of Public Health.

Pregnancy & COVID-19

If you are pregnant, you may have questions about COVID-19 and how the virus could affect you, your baby and your birth plan. Use the following tips to help protect you and your baby against COVID-19.

Long COVID (post-COVID conditions)

For some people, getting COVID-19 can cause Long COVID, which are health issues that last after the COVID-19 infection has passed. Long COVID health problems can include a wide range of symptoms that can last anywhere from weeks to years. To learn more about Long COVID, visit the California Department of Public Health. If you are concerned about having Long COVID, talk to your primary care provider (PCP).