Coronavirus disease (Covid-19)

The Alliance for Positive Health maintains our unwavering commitment to the local community and the clients we serve throughout any contagious disease, such as MPV. Please continue to visit this page for the most updates and information as we continue to navigate this crisis.

AFPH offices are now open as follows:

Albany: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Plattsburgh: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

You may visit in person during these times or call the office location or assigned coordinator to schedule a meeting.

  • Surgical masks are required for ALL client visits in order to keep them healthy.
  • We highly recommend calling the office first if you do not have a scheduled appointment.

What is Covid-19?

COVID-19 is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. It is part of the coronavirus family, which include common viruses that cause a variety of diseases from head or chest colds to more severe (but more rare) diseases like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, a flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease.

  • Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.
  • Some people including those with minor or no symptoms may suffer from post-COVID conditions — or “long COVID”.
  • Older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Hundreds of thousands of people have died from COVID-19 in the United States.
  • Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective. Vaccines teach our immune system to fight the virus that causes COVID-19.

What are the symptoms of Covid-19?

Common symptoms are:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Emergency Warning Signs Include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain or pressure in the chest that doesn’t go away
  • Experience confusion or trouble waking up
  • Bluish lips or face

Call for medical attention immediately.

*This list is not a complete list. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Where can I get a vaccine?

 

Click here to access COVID-19 vaccine and booster locations

How can I protect myself from Covid-19?

Get a free vaccine or booster immediately 

Everyone should:

  • Follow all current guidance about mask-wearing and social gatherings
  • Get vaccinated and boosted when eligible
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before you eat.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue and discard it in a closed container.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects

 For people who feel sick or have symptoms of COVID-19:

  • Stay home, away from others.
  • Don’t go to work or school.
  • Talk to a healthcare provider.
  • Get tested for COVID-19.

 For people who test positive for COVID-19:

How many cases are there in my county?

New York State Department of Health regularly updates this map that shows the number of cases for every county in the state. 

What is long-Covid?

A condition in which individuals infected with COVID-19 continue to experience a wide range of physical, mental, emotional, and psychological symptoms after their initial infection, impacting their daily lives.

Long COVID has affected people around the world and across the United States, including a portion of the population here in New York State. Long COVID may also be known as post-COVID conditions, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID, or chronic COVID. There is no way to diagnose long COVIDVisit here for more details

CDC: COVID-19 Information

New York State Department of Health: Information on Novel Coronavirus

POZ: What People with HIV Need to Know About the New Coronavirus

New York State Vaccine Information: Schedule A Vaccine