What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus is one of the most common viruses that causes the common cold during winter seasons. But currently we have another strain which is called COVID-19.

The Best Defense Against the Coronavirus

• Wash your hands for the minimum 20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• If you are around someone who is ill, please stay 6 feet apart.
• If you are ill, please stay at home.

How Does the Coronavirus Effect Patients?

Eighty percent of patients who get the common cold virus, including the COVID-19 infection, recover at home without any complications.

However, there are certain patient populations that are elderly, or have other conditions like diabetes or heart disease, that may have a higher risk of developing this infection.

But, again I want to reassure you that Coronavirus infection for the majority of the patients have mild symptoms.

The Coronavirus can cause symptoms like fevers or a cough, just like any other common cold viruses.

If You Think You Have the Coronavirus Infection

Stay at home, drink plenty of water, eat well, rest, and take anti-fever medicine like Tylenol or Ibuprofen. But, while you’re at home if you develop some severe symptoms such as shortness of breath and other symptoms that you’re worried about, then it’s very important to call your primary care provider. If you go in to be checked, call and let them know ahead of time, that way they are aware that you’re coming into be tested with the concern of Coronavirus.

If you decide to go to the emergency room, it’s important to call ahead to the E.R. physicians before going to the hospital. That way they can prepare to receive you so they don’t expose other patients.

Who’s at Risk of Getting COVID-19 Infection?

Currently, patients traveling to areas and countries where there is local transmission which is updated on the CDC website regularly. Another way people can be exposed to the infection is if they've come into contact with a patient who's had the Coronavirus infection.

If you have those risk factors, then it’s very important to tell your primary care provider. Again, we really want to stress that before going to health care provider, please call ahead so they can make a plan and arrangements for you to come into the health care faculty.

If you think you may be at risk, take our questionnaire.

For more information, see the CHI Health coronavirus page or go to cdc.gov.