Coronavirus is a major healthcare concern now, with over 100 cases reported in Washington. With more cases reported each day, it’s important to take steps to prevent both catching and continuing the transmission of the virus. If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, it is critical that you stay home and call your doctor about testing in order to prevent spreading. 

Symptoms of Coronavirus

The coronavirus exhibits with flu-like symptoms and can appear anywhere between two and fourteen days after initial exposure. While COVID-19 can be spread to anyone, the populations at highest risk include senior citizens or patients with more serious chronic conditions including heart or lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. Due to the severity of the conditions, the patients can have compromised immune systems, which can enhance symptoms of the coronavirus and lead to more serious cases. Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Dry cough that will not go away
• High fever (102 F for adults, 103 F for children)
• Stomach cramps, diarrhea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Congestion
• Sore throat
• Stuffed or runny nose

What Should I Do if I Begin Exhibiting Symptoms of Coronavirus?

Staying home and self-isolating if you feel sick

If you begin to exhibit mild symptoms of coronavirus, it is important to stay home in order to prevent spreading symptoms. Avoid public areas, especially your office, school, child’s daycare and any other activity that involves leaving your home like grocery shopping or going to the laundromat. Ideally, the only thing you would do that involves leaving your house is receiving medical care and COVID-19 testing. Do not take public transportation, including trains, busses, taxis or rideshare services. If possible, avoid contact with the people you live with, staying in a separate room and using a separate bathroom from your roommates or family members if possible. You should also avoid contact with your pets: because so little information is known about COVID-19, it is currently undetermined if the virus has an effect on animals. Whenever possible, have a family member or trusted friend take care of your pets if you catch the coronavirus. If you have no other option, make sure you wash your hands before and after handling your pets. 

Call ahead before visiting your doctor or other medical facilities

Before getting checked and tested for COVID-19, call your doctor’s office to make sure they have adequate time to prepare for your arrival. By setting up a specific room and cleaning protocols, the doctors will be able to prevent the potential spread of the virus to other patients, people working in the office or with compromised immune systems. 

Avoid sharing and disinfect your surfaces daily

You should take time to wipe down each of your high-contact surfaces each day: any item or surface you touch multiple times a day can collect germs for days on end, include being a potential host for the virus. Your desk, keyboard, cellphone, armrests and steering wheel should be wiped down using antibacterial wipes at the end of each day. When you get home, you should clean off your doorknobs, sink faucets, stair railings and any surface you use to prepare or eat food. If you or a member of your family gets sick, avoid sharing bedding, dishes, cups, utensils, towels and other household goods.

Illness Diagnosis & Treatment in Southcenter, Kent, Renton, SeaTac & Tukwila, WA

If you believe you are developing symptoms of COVID-19, do not wait to get checked out. Visit AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for examination. Our center is open seven days a week, with extended evening hours. For questions, please call 425-970-8117.