COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19 or just COVID) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. 

Find vaccine information

SIU Medicine offers COVID vaccinations by request. 

SIU Medicine COVID Monoclonal Antibody Clinic

The SIU Medicine COVID Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Clinic is available to patients who meet the following criteria:

• Patients can refer themselves or be referred by a provider within 10 days of symptoms by calling 217-545-8500
• No visitors are allowed during infusion. Exceptions may be made if a parental guardian is needed.
• 1 hour observation time required after administration. Patient should plan on being in clinic 1.5-2 hours. 
• Patients will park on Lower level of Baylis Parking Garage (entrance from Miller Street) in the SIU mAb Clinic parking spots, and call 217-545-8500 when they arrive. SIU Clinic staff will escort patients in. 
• You will be required to follow recommended isolation after injections. 

Post-COVID Recovery Clinic

Many people are able to fully recover from COVID-19. However, some survivors continue to have long-lasting health effects that may be completely different symptoms from the fever, cough or fatigue they had in the initial COVID infection. These patients, often called long-haulers, may need focused medical care to address the ongoing effects of COVID-19.

SIU Medicine’s Post-COVID Recovery Clinic treats patients who are slow to recover from the virus. Our multidisciplinary teams of specialists are dedicated to providing expert care to COVID-19 survivors on the long road to recovery. 

Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience four or more weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Typical long-lasting symptoms:

•    Brain fog, or trouble concentrating, remembering or sleeping
•    Blood-clotting disorders
•    Anxiety and depression 
•    Blood sugar issues including diabetes
•    Kidney dysfunction
•    Tiredness
•    Pneumonia and trouble breathing
•    Prolonged loss of taste and smell

Specialty care: 

Our specialists will tailor your care plan to address your long-term COVID recovery needs. Some of the specialists you may work with include:

•    Cardiology (heart and vascular)
•    General Internal Medicine (primary care)
•    Infectious Diseases
•    Psychiatry
•    Pulmonary and Critical Care
•    Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine
•    Rheumatology (immune disorders)

This clinical care is available to SIU Medicine patients. If you are not a current SIU Medicine patient, we can coordinate your care to get you on the road to recovery. If you are suffering from COVID effects, ask your primary care doctor to refer you to the SIU Medicine Post-COVID Recovery Clinic, or call the SIU Medicine COVID hotline at 217-545-5100. 

Prevent COVID-19

What can I do to prevent getting sick from any respiratory virus such as COVID? Get vaccinated, wear a mask, avoid others who are sick, if possible. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer multiple times a day and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces