COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic and a national emergency, so it’s not surprising that people are worried. Coronavirus is scary, but it’s nothing to panic over. The virus is widespread, but there are preventative steps you can take to protect yourself against the virus. The CDC is urging everyone to follow these preventative measures to help slow the spread of the virus and prevent overwhelming doctors and hospitals. 

How Does COVID-19 Spread? 

COVID-19 spreads through bodily fluids such as spit and mucus. That means that if someone sneezes near you without covering their nose and mouth, those droplets can go up to 6 foot and infect nearby people.

Droplets can enter your system through direct contact with your mouth, nose, or eyes. They can also be inhaled if you’re in close proximity. If a sick individual has droplets on their hands and you have contact with them or a surface they’ve touched and then touch your face, you can become infected. 

COVID-19 Prevention Techniques 

Preventing coronavirus is as easy as practicing good hygiene and staying aware of the situation at hand. A few tips given by the CDC include: 

• Wash your hands regularly – each hand washing session should last 20 seconds or more
• Avoid touching your face, especially in public
• Practice social distancing – stay at least 6 foot away from other people, avoid gatherings of 50 people or more, stay home unless you have to go out
• Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze 

People who are at high risk including elderly, immunocompromised, and people with underlying health conditions, should stay home as much as possible and use extreme caution when entering a public space. 

When to Seek Medical Treatment 

If you believe you’ve been exposed to coronavirus, don’t panic. Instead, practice self-quarantine in your home for 14 days. If you develop symptoms during that time you should call your primary care provider or health department.

They will review your case and offer advice moving forwards. Visiting the emergency room or urgent care at the first sign of symptoms puts all of the patients and healthcare workers there at risk for no reason. Test kits are not available at every emergency room and urgent care, so it’s best to stay home. You should seek treatment if you’re having difficulty breathing or catching your breath. 

For other seasonal illnesses such as the flu and seasonal allergies, your local urgent care center is a great place to receive same-day treatment at an affordable price! 

Additionally, AFC Urgent Care Methuen provides COVID-19 testing for patients that need a diagnosis right away! Just call ahead in advance and review with our provider teams if you qualify for a need-based test!