Here’s what we know right now about the coronavirus.
It seems that the only thing that people want to know about these days is the coronavirus. Over the last year, the pandemic has affected everything from our daily routine to our health and safety. Our Valley Stream, NY, doctor Dr. Stacy Hausmann understands just how important it is to stay up to date on the coronavirus. Here’s what you should know,
Coronavirus Symptoms Manifest Differently
What we understand about the novel coronavirus seems to change all the time. While COVID-19 is part of the SARS family, the symptoms that we see developing run the gamut. For the majority of those infected, symptoms are mild; however, there are some that have such severe symptoms that they require hospitalization or a ventilator. Those with preexisting health conditions as well as older adults, are more at risk for severe illness. Symptoms of coronavirus include but are not limited to the following:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Loss of taste and/or smell
- Chills and body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Body aches
- Decreased Appetite
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain
If you develop any of these symptoms, it’s important that you contact your physician immediately for evaluation and guidance, get tested, stay at home, remain well hydrated, monitor your symptoms carefully and self-quarantine. Avoid coming into contact with other people until your symptoms have completely gone away. If you test positive for COVID-19 you should immediately quarantine, make a list of all your close contacts and immediately contact them to inform them that you positive, that they should immediately self quarantine, get tested for COVID-19, contact their primary care physician and monitor their symptoms closely.
it is important to monitor your symptoms closely. If you develop shortness of breath, drop in pulse oximetry, chest pain or pressure, difficulty to arise or stay aroused, blueish discoloration of the face or lips, change in mental status (confused or dizzy) and/or can not maintain your hydration it is urgent to call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room. Always inform 911 and the hospital that you are COVID-19 positive and in quarantine.
We Can Slow the Spread
With coronavirus rates increasing again, it’s critical that we follow the CDC’s guidelines to do our part to slow the spread of the virus. What does this mean, exactly? It means that we need to wear masks when going out and we must practice social distancing (keeping at least six feet between yourself and others). Avoid small and large crowds and follow any mandates established by our state and local government.
Your hygiene is also paramount to protecting yourself from getting the virus. It’s important that you know how to properly wash your hands and that you do so regularly throughout the day. You should also disinfect all surfaces of your home every day, including doorknobs. Since some people have the virus but develop mild to no symptoms (but can still spread the virus to others), it’s important that you are being vigilant about your own handwashing and hygiene.
Testing is Available for COVID-19
If you have developed symptoms of coronavirus, it’s important that you call our Valley Stream, NY, office to discuss testing with Dr. Hausmann; however, it’s important to recognize that a negative test doesn’t mean that you do not have COVID-19. It also does not mean that you can gather in groups or travel. If you’ve just been infected it is possible that the virus won’t be detected if you test too soon (particularly for those testing who do not have symptoms).
If you have questions about the coronavirus, or if you’re interested in getting coronavirus testing from our Valley Stream, NY, medical physician, Dr. Stacy Hausmann, then call North Woodmere Medical Care at (516) 791-9010.