Coronavirus Update

Testing

If you are sick, or require a PCR test for travel or return to work purposes, you may get tested at our Urgent Care Main, Urgent Care South or XpressCare Highlands locations. Rapid and PCR testing is available. Otherwise, we encourage patients to utilize the at-home test kits that are readily available at local pharmacies. Watson Clinic no longer offers appointment based COVID-19 testing.

Please note: There are out-of-pocket and lab processing fees associated with return to work and travel-related testing.

Vaccination

The Watson Clinic Main Nurse Clinic location will provide the 2024-2025 Moderna Spikevax^® vaccine, to our patients who request it.

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infection that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness.

The Signs and Symptoms of Coronavirus are:

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

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, we encourage you to visit our walk-in care locations (Urgent Care South, Urgent Care Main or XpressCare Highlands) for testing and care. In the absence of severe symptoms, you may be encouraged to self-isolate. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other potentially life-threatening issues, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Prevention

To prevent illness, the CDC recommends individuals and families follow everyday preventive measures:

Voluntary Home Isolation: Stay home when you are sick and avoid contact with individuals who are sick. Put distance between yourself and other people as much as possible when out in public.
Respiratory Etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can.
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
Environmental Health Action: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.

Treatment

There is an incubation period of two - 10 days.

Post-COVID Clinic

Kathleen Haggerty, MD, a board-certified Internal Medicine specialist at Watson Clinic Main located at 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland, has established a post-COVID clinic to address the lingering symptoms faced by many patients in the aftermath of their infection. Click here for more information.
*Eligibility may be limited by Individual insurance plan requirements.

Available Brochures:

Is it Flu or Coronavirus Flyer
Hand Washing Flyer
Stop the Spread of Germs Flyer

What do you do if you are sick with the Coronavirus Disease Flyer

For more information:

The Department of Health has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage (floridahealthcovid19.gov/) for all of the most recent updates on the virus. This is the most up-to-date resource for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida.

For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Polk County, residents can contact the Polk County Department of Health in Bartow by calling 863-519-7911 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.