The Fear
The fear surrounding Coronavirus appears to be related to its rapid spread; that the virus is now spreading by human to human transmission; that it can lead to death (Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death), and that it is worldwide (Pandemic). The death rate in China, the largest cohort to date, is approximately 3.8% of infected patients (approximately 6713 deaths out of 175,235 infections)
The Facts
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (lower respiratory illness)
If you suspect that you have contracted coronavirus you should:
- Self quarantine
- Make an appointment for a Video Visit at CityDoc Urgent Care: www.citydoc.net
- During your Video Visit you should notify the Provider if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus or you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of the virus and have developed a fever, cough, and shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. The Provider will decide whether you need to come to a CityDoc clinic location to be tested. Please keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home.
- Please be aware that CityDoc collects the specimen and forwards it to an outside lab for testing. It takes 3-5 days to obtain results. There is a limited supply of tests available so testing is prioritized for individuals with risk factors that put them at higher risk for infection such as older adults (age 65+) and those with chronic medical and/or immunocompromised conditions. All testing will be ordered at the Providers discretion.
- Start a Video Visit with CityDoc Urgent Care.
People who are at higher risk for serious illness from the coronavirus should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their symptoms are mild. These people include:
- Elderly (65+)
- Individuals who have symptoms and have traveled to heavily infected countries.
- Individuals in close contact with patients who have a confirmed positive coronavirus test.
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions like:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Chronic lung disease (COPD)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Immunosuppressive conditions
To stay healthy take these everyday preventative steps:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stock up on supplies.
- Keep space between yourself and others.
- When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible.
- Avoid cruise and airline travel.
- If there is a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible.
Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against Coronavirus. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions.
Is there a treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.
