COVID-19 has proven to be a fast-moving and sometimes deadly virus, so what do you do when you think you have it? Knowing COVID best practices will help you slow its spread and speed up your recovery. This article will discuss what to do if you need to visit your medical provider but think you might have COVID. Keep reading to learn more.
Do I Have COVID?
Most people who contract COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms, so it’s good to be on the lookout for some of these signs. The most common symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Fever
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Loss of taste or smell
- Other recorded symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Body aches
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Irritated eyes
If you have any of these symptoms, you might have COVID. To know for sure, you can visit a nearby urgent care center for a COVID test.
What Should I Do?
The short answer to this question is: Stay home!
Isolating yourself will ensure that you don’t spread the virus to anyone else. If you live with others, let them know you may have COVID.
If you must leave your room, wear a mask (yes, even at home!), and try to avoid contact with others. Try your best not to leave your home; if you must, always wear a mask and sanitize your hands regularly.
Keep an eye on your symptoms and stay hydrated. If you notice chest pain or difficulty breathing, head to the emergency room.
But I Have to See My Medical Provider!
If you have an appointment with your doctor or a specialist, but you think you have COVID, do your best to reschedule until you have tested negative for COVID.
If your appointment can’t, or really shouldn’t, be rescheduled for a later date, here’s what to do:
- Call your provider and ask what their policy is. They may require a negative COVID test if you think you might have it.
- Look for telehealth and telemedicine options. This will help you avoid leaving your home with symptoms and possibly spreading the virus.
- If you must attend the appointment in person, follow COVID safety procedures. Wear a mask at all times while inside the facility, sanitize or wash your hands regularly, and maintain social distancing.
- If possible, have someone drive you to and from the medical facility you’ll be visiting; you may not be up for so much activity, depending on how severe your symptoms are.
If you’ve started experiencing COVID-like symptoms, the best thing to do is get tested. Head to a nearby urgent care center for a COVID-19 test, so you’ll know exactly how to proceed with your upcoming visit to a medical provider.
Let AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove help you evaluate symptoms with lab testing, COVID-19 testing, and illness treatment. Patients can visit our walk-in clinic or book online. Our providers are here to help you address any immediate urgent care needs!
