COVID-19 Information & FAQs
What you should know
Associates in Family Medicine is here for you through all of your questions and concerns about the 2019 novel coronavirus. AFM is continuing to provide safe, quality care to the community through virtual and in-person visits.
What AFM is doing
to keep you healthy
Don’t put your health on hold. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our community. While masks are now optional at all AFM locations, we recommend wearing a mask if you are exhibiting symptoms and informing our staff upon arrival.
Offering same-day Virtual Visits
Cleaning and disinfecting
Separate areas for sick patients
COVID-19 Vaccines
AFM is no longer offering the COVID-19 vaccine to continue our focus on caring for our patients. We continue to be a resource for your COVID-19 questions or concerns.
Interested in getting a COVID-19 vaccine but haven’t had the opportunity? Here’s what to do:
- Sign up for appointments through Larimer County Public Health and Weld County Public Health
- Make sure you have a My Health Connection account. If you do not have an account, create one here.
- Contact your Local Public Health Agencies with COVID-19 questions.
- Larimer County: Call (970) 498-5500, text (970) 999-1770, or find an appointment online
- Weld County: Call (970) 400-2111, or find an appointment online
- Or call the CO Vaccine Line – 1 (877) 268-2926
- Check where you can get vaccinated across the state
Virtual Visits at AFM
In an effort to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and better protect patients and caregivers, AFM has expanded our Virtual Visit offering to all clinics. New Virtual Visit Urgent Care hours are Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn more about Virtual Visits at AFM here.
New to AFM? Fill out these forms before your Virtual Visit:
Testing
Testing is a key tool we have to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Learn about the type of tests available to you at AFM and in the community.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests can show if you have an active COVID-19 infection and need to take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others. Molecular (PCR) and antigen tests are types of diagnostic tests that can detect if you have an active COVID-19 infection. Samples for diagnostic tests are typically collected with a nasal or throat swab, or saliva collected by spitting into a tube. For more information on diagnostic tests, you can review this useful chart.
PCR Test
A PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, test is the most accurate COVID-19 test available. It looks for the genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA) of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Scientists use the PCR technology to amplify small amounts of RNA from specimens into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is replicated until SARS-CoV-2 is detectable if present.
You can receive a PCR test if you are symptomatic, asymptomatic, traveling, attending an event, exposed to a COVID-19 positive person, and more.
Antigen Test
An antigen test looks for pieces of protein from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Unlike the PCR test, this test requires a higher level of virus in the sample in order for the test to be positive. This can lead to false-negative results. The accuracy of these tests vary depending on where you are at in the course of the infection and generally are more accurate if the test is done within the first few days of symptoms.
Self-testing Test
Self-testing, also called a “home test”, an “at-home test”, or an “over-the-counter (OTC) test”, offers fast results. Self-tests are one of several options for testing for the virus that causes COVID-19 and may be more convenient than laboratory-based tests and point-of-care tests. Consider keeping self-tests at home or where you may need them.
Self-tests can also be used as one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, that protect you and others by reducing the chance of viral transmission. You can self-test, even if you don’t have symptoms or are fully vaccinated, in order to make decisions that will help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.
Colorado residents can receive free at-home testing kits from the state by signing up. here.
Antibody Tests
Antibody tests look for antibodies in your immune system produced in response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. Antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after you have an infection and may stay in your blood for several weeks or more after recovery. Samples for antibody tests are typically blood from a finger stick, or blood drawn by your doctor or other medical personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough and shortness of breath). The CDC has extended the list of symptoms to also include chills, repeated shaking with chills, headache, sore throat, muscle pain and new loss of taste or smell. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure.
How long does it take for symptoms to display after exposure to COVID-19?
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is suggesting that COVID-19 can appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure. See more information on COVID-19 from the CDC here.
Can I get tested?
Any patient that is symptomatic is eligible to get a viral (PCR) test for COVID-19. This test is to determine if you are currently infected. You must have an in-person or virtual appointment with an AFM provider before getting tested for COVID-19.
While AFM does not currently recommend antibody (serology) tests, patients can currently get an antibody test. We recommend you schedule a virtual visit with an AFM provider to determine if you should get an antibody test, and were the best testing facility is.
Should I get tested?
Our clinical staff is available to speak with you about any symptoms or concerns you may have and to help determine whether you should get tested. We will assist you in determining the appropriate course of action and plan for care. This may include a virtual visit or an in-person visit to a designated triage location. We may recommend home care advice and self-quarantine with the guidance to keep in contact with your primary care provider if symptoms worsen.
How much will it cost to get tested for COVID-19?
Most insurance plans cover testing for COVID-19. Please contact your insurance provider to identify what types of tests and care your plan covers.
How can I help protect myself?
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others.
- Put distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet).
- Regularly clean ‘high-traffic’ surfaces like counters, door handles and your mobile phone.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than into your hand.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, particularly those with cold/flu symptoms
- If you’re sick, avoid public areas and limit your exposure to others.
- Get a flu shot if you haven’t gotten one this year
What are the risks with social activities during COVID?
When you are deciding whether you should attend a social activity or gathering keep these things in mind –
- Is COVID-19 spreading in the community?
- Before considering trips outside your community, consult CDC’s travel considerations.
- What are the local orders in the community?
- Do you or do people you live with have any extra risk of serious illness from COVID-19?
- People with extra risks should aim to limit social interactions as much as they can and carefully weigh the benefits of the activities of they choose to participate in.
- How many people does the activity involve?
- The smaller the group size and the larger the space, the lower the risk.
- Being in a group with people who aren’t distancing or wearing masks raises your risk.
- Some people may have the virus but not have symptoms.
- Is the activity inside or outside? Can you keep 6 feet between yourself and others?
- Outdoor activities pose less risk than the same activity indoors.
- The closer you are to other people who may be infected, the greater your risk of getting sick.
- Keeping distance from other people is especially important for people at higher risk of severe illness
- How long does the activity take?
- Spending more time with people who may be infected increases your risk of becoming infected.
- Spending more time with people increases their risk of becoming infected if there is any chance that you may already be infected.
- How will I get there?
- Public transit can put you in close contact with others and increase your risk.
- Traveling in cars with non-household members can increase your risk.
- If I get sick with COVID-19, will I have to miss work or school?
- If you get sick, you will need to isolate, and if you are exposed, you’ll need to quarantine.
- How valuable is this activity to you?
For more information check out this information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Do I need to wear a face mask/cloth face covering at AFM?
Masks are now optional for staff and patients at all AFM – a member of Village Medical locations. If you are presenting symptoms such as fever, body aches, active cough, or loss of taste or smell, we recommend wearing a mask and informing staff upon arrival at a clinic.
For more information, visit the CDC’s guidelines on how to select, wear, and clean your mask.
How many cases of COVID-19 are in Colorado?
Check out the COVID-19 Fast Facts from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. These results are updated daily.