(click on any box to learn more about the topic)
Coronaviruses are in the same virus family as the common cold, typically causing mild symptoms. The new strain of coronavirus, 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The symptoms are similar to influenza (flu) and may occur 2 – 14 days after exposure to the virus. Typical symptoms include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
For more information about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, visit the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Wyoming Department of Health.
- Remain calm. Influenza (flu) or another respiratory virus is still the most likely cause.
- Call our LIVE SUPPORT HOTLINE: 307-885-5008 to speak with a healthcare professional. This hotline is available 7 days a week from 8 am to 6 pm.
Star Valley Health has COVID-19 Testing Centers in both Afton and Alpine, near our clinic locations.
COVID-19 Testing Information
At Star Valley Health testing is open to the public without a written referral from your provider. Please note, testing supplies are in high demand nationwide and we may need to reserve supplies for those patients that are symptomatic or in a more vulnerable demographic.
Currently, as COVID cases have increased, Star Valley Health only offers testing to patients who are displaying symptoms or are scheduled for surgery. For your convenience, we have COVID Testing Centers at the north and south ends of Star Valley, as well as Bridger Valley.
Afton COVID-19 Testing Center
Location:
901 Adams St
Afton, WY 83110
Hours:
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Monday – Saturday
Find us at the southwest corner of the Afton Clinic building. Drive through the designated neon cones. Please do stay in your vehicle, put it in park and one of our healthcare staff will be out to serve you.
Alpine COVID-19 Testing Center
Location:
230 Elk Run
Alpine, WY 83128
Hours:
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday – Friday
Find us at the northwest corner of the Alpine Clinic building. Please do stay in your vehicle, put it in park and one of our healthcare staff will be out to serve you.
Also, please note that if you are having a COVID test prior to a Monday surgery, Alpine does not have a courier on Sundays and your results may not be ready in time.
Bridger Valley COVID-19 Testing Center
Location:
3580 State Highway 414
Lyman, WY 82937
Hours:
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Monday – Saturday
The COVID-19 PCR (current infection) test is $150. This test is completed by a nasal swab. We will bill your insurance and it is typically covered at 100%. Please ask your insurance carrier about exact coverages.
Click here to learn more about prices and insurance on our COVID-19 Billing Information page.
Information and education on how the virus spreads will help you avoid getting sick. The best way to prevent illness is to make sure you are not exposed to the virus.
- Wash your hands often & for at least 20 seconds
- Stay at home as much as possible
- Wear a cloth face mask if you do need to be out in public
- Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze
- Clean & disinfect commonly touched surfaces
Visit the CDC for more specifics, here.
There does appear to be a group of people that are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Those individuals are ones that are:
- 65 years old or older
- Residents of nursing homes or long term care facilities
- Immunocompromised due to other medical conditions, such as:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Lung Disease
- Severe Obesity
In order to minimize the spread of germs from the coronavirus, we recommend:
- If experiencing symptoms, call our Live Support Hotline: 885-5008 prior to driving to your doctors office, as they will be able to direct you to the best possible care
- Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth
- Social distancing: stay 6 feet away from others, if you do need to be out in public
- Stay home
- Wash your hands regularly & for at least 20 seconds
- Wear a face mask if out in public
The incubation period seems to be between 1 to 14 days. Most people started to see symptoms on day 5, but some people remain asymptomatic. As this is a new virus, that time frame may change upon us learning more.
Antibody Testing (Blood Draw):
Antibody testing, is a test that looks at the body’s immune response to a recent or prior infection of the virus called SARS-CoV-2 that causes the illness COVID-19. It provides information on whether or not you have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, even if you never developed any symptoms. The body takes 1–3 weeks to create an antibody response, which means you may have a current infection but will not have produced antibodies to the virus yet. Even if you have antibodies, it is possible for you to still be a carrier of the virus or able to get infected with the virus again, continued immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is NOT known at this time.
The Star Valley Health antibody test is FDA approved. You will need to schedule an appointment at one of our facilities to receive the testing. One of our lab technicians will complete a blood draw and you will receive your results usually within 7–10 days. Please read the Antibody Education (see below) before deciding whether you want to get the antibody test. The test costs $75, and payment will be due at the time of service. This does include a phone call with a provider to help interpret the results. If your test shows that you have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Star Valley Health is required to share those results to the Wyoming Department of Health. More information is available for download at:
Viral Testing (Nasal Swab):
Viral testing, is a test that determines if you have a current infection with the virus called SARS-CoV-2. You may also hear this test referred to as Diagnostic, Molecular or PCR. Star Valley Health is completing the nasal swab at an assessment tent in Afton or Alpine. Test results are typically available within 24 hours of completion. At this time, there is not a cure or vaccine available for SARS-CoV-2. If your test shows that you have the virus SARS-CoV-2 Star, Valley Health is required to share those results to the Wyoming Department of Health.
We are following the Wyoming Department of Health & CDC guidelines to determine who should be tested for COVID-19. If you meet the definition of a Person Under Investigation (PUI) the sample will be tested at our lab, sent to the Wyoming Department of Health or an independent commercial laboratory for COVID-19 testing. The test itself has a charge of up to $210 that is billable to your insurance.
Learn more about our testing process here.
- Clinic Visits
We encourage you to continue your regular medical check-ups, medication schedules and treatment plans in-person or through our telehealth visits. By offering video visits this is just one way we can help ensure that you are able to stay healthy during this challenging time.
To schedule a video visit or learn more about whether this service is right for you, please contact your local clinic directly or call 307-885-5800.
- Star Valley Health is working to keep our community healthy during this unprecedented time. You can support our community and healthcare providers affected by this coronavirus pandemic by staying informed and donating today.Donation gifts come in many forms, e.g. supplies, food, your time or financial.
- If you have medical supplies you would like to donate please contact Nolan at 307-885-5826 or [email protected].
- Time and sewing skills are welcome to make homemade masks for patients and staff. Contact Pam at [email protected].
- Our local food banks are depleting quickly, all donations are welcome.
- Afton Food Bank, contact Sierra at: 307-887-2814
- Alpine Food Bank, contact Melody at: 307-654-3629
- Thayne Food Bank, contact Julie at: 307-880-3636
Financial gifts will help relieve the extraordinary burden being placed on our public health care system.
Stay up to date with what Star Valley Health is doing in our community to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus. Visit our COVID-19 dedicated page on the website or follow us on social medial.
