With the daily increasing numbers of coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) infections and the extension of shelter-in-place orders around the country, it may be difficult to know when to go into a medical office to be evaluated.
The season change to spring has caused those with allergies and asthma to experience some of the same symptoms that are caused by COVID-19: shortness of breath, sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, fatigue, headache, and changes in taste or smell.
If your symptoms are mild and can be managed with over-the-counter medications or no medicines at all, we are recommending that you continue to shelter-in-place. Self-isolate in a room where you will be away from others for 14 days. Wear a mask when you go into common areas, and disinfect surfaces often. You can expect to be ill for at least 2 weeks, and should not return to your usual activities until 1 week after your symptoms go away.
If you are not better in 2 weeks, consider a virtual appointment with a provider, rather than going into an urgent care office. This is so that if you do not have COVID-19, you do not go to an office and risk an unnecessary exposure. Based on your symptoms, the virtual provider may prescribe medicines to help with your symptoms. If you are severely ill, the provider may suggest that you go into an office for an in-person evaluation. If you are still unsure of whether to seek medical care for your symptoms, check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) symptom self-checker.
If you have symptoms: COVID-19 tests
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent this illness, so for your safety continue to shelter-in-place, wear a mask when you leave your home for essential activities, and keep a distance of 6 feet from others. There are 2 tests available: a nasal swab to see if you have an active infection and a blood test to see if you have developed antibodies that make you immune to COVID-19 after having the infection. Getting the test does not change the course of the illness or how you manage it, so if you are unable to be tested, continue to self-isolate. There is no approved treatment for COVID-19.
To find the closest location where you can be tested for COVID-19, please visit this link.
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