Home Instructions for Mild Respiratory Symptoms

  1. Tests for COVID-19 are in short supply and testing in our office is challenging due to the high transmissibility of illness. COVID-19 testing will not change the course of illness for most patients as there is no specific treatment for Coronavirus. Therefore, we are only testing our sickest patients at this time.
  2. During an epidemic, all patients with respiratory or flu-like symptoms and presumed COVID-19 should self-quarantine to prevent additional transmission of infection. You can read more on the CDC page – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html  and                      Virginia Department of Health page – http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/
  3. Stay at home except to get medical care – Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis. 
  4. Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
  5. Wear a facemask (if available)
  6. Cover your coughs and sneezes
  7. Clean your hands often
  8. Avoid sharing personal household items
  9. Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
  10. Stay on home isolation- for 14 days or until cleared by your doctor.
  11. Monitor patient symptoms- Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking in-person care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have respiratory symptoms and possibly COVID-19.
  12. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have respiratory symptoms and possibly COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.