Coronavirus info for Patients

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION AND
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Diagnosis
COVID-19 is caused by a virus called Coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a common cause of the common cold. COVID-19 is a novel (newly discovered) Coronavirus that is currently causing illness across the world. Most of those infected will have a limited and mild case like a cold. Most people who become infected with COVID-19 will be able to care for themselves at home. Currently there is no conventional anti-viral treatment for COVID-19, and there is no vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Typical COVID-19 symptoms include fever, muscle aches, cough and shortness of breath that can last for two weeks or even longer. 20% of those infected with COVID-19 can have more serious symptoms such as high fever or breathing problems which need hospitalization.

Virus Transmission:
COVID-19 is mostly spread through person-to-person close contact (within about 6 feet). Small droplets from coughing and sneezing can enter the mouth and lungs of those nearby. It is also possible that infection can happen by touching a surface or object that has virus on it such as a table or door knob and then touching their own eyes, mouth or nose, but this is not the main cause of spread. People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest) and especially with coughing. Some spread might be possible before symptoms show, but this is not thought to be the main cause of spread.

COVID-19 appears to spread easily so:
• STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK; schedule a phone appointment if needed.
• Avoid people who are sick (6 feet rule)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Wear a facemask if you have symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
• Use a facemask and gloves if taking care of someone w COVID-19
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Wash especially after using the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer.

Home Treatment:
• Keep warm and rest as much as possible. When you are sick, you should not be at work or school. You should get extra sleep, and rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Food is less important since appetite will return when you are well.
• For high fever 102 in kids / 103 in adults, use Tylenol / Motrin or kids versions at label doses, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. For infants, or newborns, call your doctor. Note: High fever that does not respond to treatment is a danger sign, and warrants a call to the clinic.
• If cough is present: Humidification and drinking lots of fluids helps to moisten and break up mucus.
• For sore throat: Gargle with warm water (1/2 tsp salt in 1/2 glass water,) or licorice tea.
• If nausea and/or diarrhea are present: Consume only clear liquids, soups, or juices as tolerated. Again, fluids are critical to prevent dehydration.
• If you need more guidance, or want to know about supportive care nutritional support of your immune competence, and are a patient of the clinic, you may schedule an appointment. If you are not a patient of our clinic, reach out to your regular doctor.

**If your symptoms worsen, you have high fever than is not responding to fever medication, call your clinic.

If you are having Difficulty breathing, or Chest pain, CALL 911.

More information is available for you through these links:

CDC FAQs:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Snohomish. Health. District Info:
https://www.snohd.org/484/Novel-Coronavirus-2019

King County Info:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/NovelCoronavirusFactSheet.pdf

For more information about our clinic, or to become a patient call 360-651-9355(WELL).

The Mission of the Northwest Center for Optimal Health:
Providing patients and their families safe, effective care in a comforting and welcoming environment, using physicians expert in combining natural and conventional medicine, and who focus on patient education and prevention.