Patient & Community Information
Controlling the spread of COVID-19 will require all of us actively working to prevent it. Practice everyday preventive behaviors. Stay home when sick. Cover coughs and sneezes. Frequently wash your hands (at least 20 seconds) with soap and water. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
If you’re experiencing fever, new cough or new shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), call first before seeking medical care. Tell your health care professional about your symptoms and if you’ve recently been been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread.
West Virginia Residents
- West Virginia residents and health care providers can contact the WV DHHR hotline 24/7, toll-free at 1-800-887-4304.
Huntington-Area Patients & Residents
- Patients and residents in the Huntington area who believe they have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms can contact Marshall Health's COVID-19 information line at 304-696-2900. This direct line connects you with a Marshall Health nurse 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- The WV DHHR hotline is also accessible 24/7, toll-free at 1-800-887-4304.
- The Cabell-Huntington Health Department call center is available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 304-526-6544.
- You can also contact your primary care provider. Your provider will offer specific instructions and work with the state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
Marshall University Students
- Students who have recently traveled internationally, had exposure to a known or suspected case of COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms should contact Student Health Services at 304-691-1100.
Additional Contacts
- To notify the Cabell-Huntington Health Department of a reportable disease that requires immediate attention, please call 304-523-6483.
- Additional resources are available through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
Marshall Health offers drive-through testing for individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 at the following Huntington locations:
- St. Mary's Center for Education | 304-696-2220
2853 5th Avenue, Huntington
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday - Marshall University Medical Center/Cabell Huntington Hospital | 304-696-2900
1600 Medical Center Drive, Huntington
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday
Individuals should bring their insurance information and a valid ID. A physician order is not required; however, only those meeting the testing criteria during screening will be tested.
A map of testing locations in other areas of West Virginia is available at https://www.wvhealthconnection.com/covid-19.
Resources
Public health officials encourage people to educate, plan and prepare for COVID-19. The CDC offers a household resources guide with tips on getting your household ready for a coronavirus outbreak.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
>>Learn how to prevent spreading COVID-19 to others if you are sick.
For higher risk individuals, the CDC recommends:
- Planning ahead
- Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
- When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible
During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible.
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately.
CONTACTS
WV DHHR 24/7 Hotline
1-800-887-4304
Marshall Health COVID-19 Information Line
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
304-696-2900
Student Health Services
304-691-1100
Cabell-Huntington Health Department Call Center
8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday-Friday
304-526-6544
Marshall Health clinics have protocols and systems in place to keep patients, students and our health care team safe. You should not avoid seeking care out of concerns about the coronavirus. However, if you are experiencing symptoms, including fever, cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider first so they can advise you.