Skip to navigation Penn Medicine 800-789-7366 Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Additional COVID-19 Questions Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Penn Medicine answers common questions about the COVID-19 pandemic, including information about symptoms and risk factors, prevention and self-care, and COVID-19 testing. Learn how to protect yourself from the virus and read our mRNA vaccine technology page to learn more about how the COVID-19 vaccine was created. About COVID-19 What is COVID-19? What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Am I at risk for COVID-19? How is COVID-19 spread? How is COVID-19 diagnosed? What is the prognosis for people who get COVID-19? How is COVID-19 treated? How are patients with COVID-19 monitored at home? Prevention and Self-Care How do I protect myself and others from COVID-19 infection? If I have COVID-19, when can I end home isolation? How can I safely grocery shop? How do I protect myself if I have been around someone who is infected with COVID-19? What does the coronavirus mean for me if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding? What does it mean to be immunocompromised during COVID-19? Is it safe to travel? Is it safe to go on a cruise? Safety at Penn Medicine Is it safe for me to go to my upcoming doctor's appointment? What should I do to prepare to come in for an appointment or surgery? Have all Penn Medicine employees been vaccinated against COVID-19? Is there someone I can talk to if I feel anxious or scared about my appointment or surgery? What is Penn Medicine's visitation policy during COVID-19? Scheduling Procedures and Timing How is Penn Medicine prioritizing which types of patients should have surgery? Can I postpone my surgery? I have a lab order from my physician. How long will it take to get done? I need a radiology exam or procedure prior to my surgery. How do I get that done? COVID-19 Testing Do I need to test negative for COVID-19 before I have my surgery? What happens if I test positive? How can I get tested for COVID-19? Are my doctors and nurses being screened and tested for COVID-19? What is antibody testing? How do I get a COVID-19 antibody test? Post-Discharge Care Will I need to come in for a follow-up, or can that be done with telemedicine? I need bandages to dress my wound. What if I need care items that are not easy to get right now? What if I need post-operative rehabilitation or physical therapy? Do I need to self-quarantine after surgery? Insurance and Resources Since I scheduled my appointment or surgery, I lost my job and no longer have health insurance (or my insurance changed). What should I do? I am a Penn Medicine employee. What resources are available to support me through COVID-19? I am in need of additional assistance, including food, shelter or other life necessities. What resources are available to me? Does Penn Medicine have information about COVID-19 that I can share with others? Share This Page: Post Tweet For Patients and Visitors For Health Care Professionals Research at Penn About Locations Health & Wellness Giving Academic Departments myPennMedicine Careers Newsroom Refer Your Patient Community Financial Assistance Contact Us HIPAA and Privacy Legal Disclaimer Terms of Use Employee Resources Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 800-789-7366 © 2021, The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania Follow Us Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube