What is COVID-19?

COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, is a virus that affects the respiratory system. Symptoms are similar to the influenza virus, including:

  • Dry cough
  • High fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Stomach cramps

Who is at high risk for COVID-19?

While anyone can contract COVID-19, individuals most at risk are older and have underlying health conditions including diabetes, cancer, asthma and heart disease.

How is COVID-19 affecting Massachusetts?

Currently, Massachusetts is in a state of emergency due to concerns over the rapid spread of COVID-19. Schools have suspended in-person learning until May 4th, and bars and restaurants have shut down with the exception of take-out or delivery services. 

How can I keep myself safe from COVID-19?

There are several steps you can take to prevent contracting the coronavirus, including:

  • Washing your hands regularly throughout the day. After washing your hands, make sure you use lotion to prevent cracks and breaks in your skin. While you should be washing with soap and water regularly throughout the day, you should especially be washing after using the restroom, handling a diaper, before and after preparing food and before eating to kill germs. Hand sanitizer can be used when soap or water are unavailable, but cannot break down any dirt or build up left on your hands.
  • Wipe down your commonly used surfaces and electronics at least once per day. This includes remote controls, cell phones, laptops, keyboards, desks, counters and surfaces where you regularly eat food. You can wipe down most surfaces with common disinfectant wipes, or find a cleaning product safe for electronics as well.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you have to cough or sneeze with a tissue or, if needed, the crook of your elbow. This helps contain germs from traveling through the air, where they may infect others.
  • Follow local, state and federal guidelines. The current practice in Massachusetts is social distancing: staying home and avoiding contact with others whenever possible. This includes unnecessary trips to stores and avoiding being in groups larger than 10. Keep an eye on local health department websites for up-to-date information, including school and business closures.

Walk-In Urgent Care in Braintree, MA

AFC Urgent Care Braintree is not currently a testing site for COVID-19, but our center is open seven days a week to walk-in patients experiencing injuries or requiring physicals for immigration, sports, camp and school activities. Our center also offers occupational health programs for local businesses of all sizes, making sure each employee is healthy, safe and fit to perform their job duties. For questions, please call 781-848-2273.