Stay informed to help protect yourself and others. With the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States, it’s understandable you may feel some level of worry or concern. What we know right now is that most people experiencing cold, cough, or flu-like symptoms consistent with COVID-19 can be managed safely at home.
Recognize the Symptoms
People with confirmed COVID-19 have shown mild to severe respiratory symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear between 2-14 days after exposure and are similar to what you might experience with more common viral infections, such as colds and the flu.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, we recommend taking measures to prevent infecting others in close quarters.
Know When & Where to Seek Care
In most cases, people with mild respiratory symptoms will get better on their own and can be treated from home. If you’d like help with your symptoms, online care is a great place to start. We’re here to help get you the care you need from home – without risking exposure or spread of potentially contagious viruses.
or Understand your care options.
When to Seek In-Person Care
Seek in-person care at an urgent care or emergency room immediately if you experience:
- Worsening shortness of breath
- Worsening wheezing
- Always call ahead to the urgent care for directions on where to go and what to do when you arrive.
When to Call or Seek Online Care
Call your clinic or online care provider if you experience:
- Difficulty swallowing
- High fevers
- Worsening cough
- Worsening or persistent sore throat
Protecting Yourself and Others
While there is no specific treatment for COVID-19, there are things you can do to protect yourself and others. Practices like social distancing have become one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to limit exposure and help slow the spread of the virus. Additionally, the CDC recommends practicing these everyday preventive actions to help reduce your risk of getting sick:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap & water isn’t available
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash – wash hands
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Stay home when you’re sick
What is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They are estimated to cause about a third of all cases of the common cold. COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus that previously had not been found in people.
How Does Coronavirus Spread?
Like other viral illnesses, COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person by things like coughing, sneezing, close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands. It also may be possible for someone to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
What Treatments are Available for COVID-19?
What makes this so newsworthy is there is currently no vaccine to prevent the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and no antiviral treatments are known to be effective. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed.
Treatment focuses on soothing symptoms through pain relievers, fever reducers, cough medication, staying hydrated, and getting rest. If you’re having significant difficulty breathing, hospitalization may be recommended.
Where Can I Learn More About COVID-19?
Virtuwell follows CDC guidelines for coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, screening and treatment. For the latest updates on the coronavirus visit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)