We realize that there are many unknowns and this is a stressful and concerning time for many of our patients. As your primary care provider, we want to keep you well informed and as healthy as possible. We are actively monitoring this situation and will continue to update you with new information that may impact your healthcare and our community. Below are answers to some common questions from our patients:

 

• I’m not feeling well. Should I come into the clinic for an appointment?

  • Preventing the spread of illness when you are actively symptomatic is extremely important.

  • Before you come to the office, please call and we can pre-screen you over the phone.

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• What are the most common symptoms of COVID-19?

  • The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

  • Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. About 1 in 6 people who get COVID-19 become seriously ill and develop difficulty breathing.

  • Elderly and those with underlying medical concerns such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness. 

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• How do people catch COVID-19?

  • COVID-19 can spread by small droplets from the mouth or nose when a person with the virus coughs or exhales. The incubation period (the time between “catching” the virus and beginning to have symptoms) is between 1-14 days and is most commonly around 5 days.

  • It is unclear how long COVID-19 can live on surfaces, but some studies suggest that it can persist for a few hours or up to several days. 

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• What are the best ways to prevent transmission?

  • Prioritize hand-washing more frequently. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. 

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand-washing is not possible. 

  • Maintain a distance of 3-6 feet when possible from individuals that are displaying symptoms. 

  • Cover your cough. 

  • Sneeze with a tissue and discard tissue immediately, then wash your hands.

  • Sneeze into your bent elbow. 

  • Please stay home if you are sick!

 

For information and updates as they become available you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.