GENERAL URGENT CARE

The following symptoms are associated with the novel coronavirus:

•       Fever
•       Cough
•       Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
•       Muscle pain
•       Loss of smell or taste 
•       Sore throat
•       Chills 

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea are common symptoms associated with COVID-19. It’s prudent to call your healthcare provider before you leave home and follow their specific instructions. If you suspect you have COVID-19, it’s crucial to limit your walk-in visits to the hospital. This will help the healthcare staff protect themselves as well as other patients.

When To Call 911 Emergency Services

The majority of people suffering from coronavirus are able to recover at home if their symptoms are not severe. However, if you feel it’s an emergency or your symptoms are getting worse, seek medical attention immediately by dialing 9-1-1. 

Here are a few warning signs that indicate you must call emergency medical care or 9-1-1:

•       Your face or lips have turned bluish
•       You are unable to stay awake
•       You are confused and disoriented
•       You feel persistent pressure or pain in your chest
•       You have trouble breathing

When To Get COVID-19 Testing

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, then your first step should be to call your primary care provider. However, if you are not noticing any such signs BUT have been in close contact (within 6 feet distance for 15 minutes or more) with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you may need to undergo COVID-19 testing. 

You can schedule an urgent care appointment with 24 Hour Docs to know more about COVID-19 testing and treatment. Our board-certified physicians will evaluate your symptoms and advise you on how to quarantine safely and when to go to the Emergency Room. We can also prescribe medications to help you with your symptoms, if necessary.

COVID-19 Treatment And Self-Isolation

People who are displaying mild symptoms of COVID-19 have a good chance of recovering at home, without any need for hospitalization. If you don’t feel your condition is worse, don’t visit public areas and stay at home (except to get medical care).

Stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. If possible, use a separate bathroom as well. COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some cases, so make sure you restrict contact with pets and other animals. Let a friend or a family member take care of your pet while you recover. If this is not an option, wash your hands before and after coming in contact with your pet.

Follow these tips to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to other people or animals in your house: 

•       Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
•       Use a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if washing your hands is not possible.
•       Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you sneeze or cough. Discard used tissues in a lined trash can.
•       Cover your face with a mask if you must come in contact with other people or animals. 
•       Clean and disinfect the high-touch surfaces in your designated room and bathroom. Someone else may clean and disinfect the common areas (like kitchen and living room), but not YOUR bedroom and bathroom. 
•       Routinely clean/disinfect your phone, remote control, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, toilet, bedside table, bathroom fixtures, keyboards, and anything else you touch.
•       Do not share personal items with any other person in your home. This includes dishes, glasses, cups, bedding, towels, or anything else. Once you use these items, put them in the dishwasher/washing machine, or wash them thoroughly with soap and water.

When To Stop Self-Isolation

Only your doctor can accurately recommend when you should stop isolating at home, but people who are symptomatic can usually stop self-isolating after:

•       10 days have passed since COVID-19 symptoms first showed up
•       24 hours have passed with no fever, and you haven’t taken any fever-reducing medications
•       Other symptoms are improving

Note: Loss of smell and taste may continue for several weeks after recovery, but it doesn’t need to delay the end of isolation.

For people who are asymptomatic, i.e., they are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms (but they tested positive) can stop isolating after 10 days have passed since their positive COVID-19 testing.

Have Any Questions Regarding COVID-19 Testing or Treatment? Talk To Us

At 24 Hour Docs, our certified doctors will be happy to advise you on where to go for COVID-19 testing in your area (in California), what type of test you need, and how to self-quarantine effectively.

If you need any kind of support or guidance from kind medical professionals during this tough time, we are here for you. Call us at 877-244-6876 or register online to talk to a doctor right away and get the treatment you need.