common conditions
.jpeg)
Over the past few months, the cases of coronavirus have risen to more than 2 million cases in the United States. Over 100,000 have died because of COVID-19, while above 1 million have recovered. There are currently no vaccines for COVID-19. There are, however, many ways to avoid coming into contact with coronavirus, as well as treatments for COVID-19.
What Is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a part of a family of viruses that cause illnesses. These illnesses include mild colds and severe diseases like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronavirus is mainly spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. These droplets are projected by an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk. If these droplets were to land in the mouth or nose of an uninfected person, they could contract coronavirus.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
The symptoms of coronavirus can range from mild to severe. These symptoms can occur two days or two weeks after coming into exposure to the virus. Symptoms of coronavirus include:
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Coughing
- Fever
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
If a person experiences any of these symptoms, they will want to contact their primary care physician or get tested as soon as possible. A person should also avoid contact with others until they can be sure that they do not have COVID-19.
Coronavirus Testing & Treatment
In the United States, testing for COVID-19 is available in every state. The most common form of COVID-19 testing, RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction), takes place by placing a swab at the back of a patient’s nasal passage. The swab sits where the nasal passage connects to the throat where it collects secretions. This sample is then tested. Patients could also have their antibodies identified. This will not diagnose current patients with coronavirus, but can tell if a patient previously had COVID-19.
Despite there not being an antiviral medication to treat coronavirus, there are other ways of treating symptoms of the virus. Pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen), cough medication, rest, and plenty of fluids are all methods of treatment for coronavirus. If a patient experiences more severe symptoms, they will require hospital treatment.
Coronavirus Vaccine
While some believe that a coronavirus vaccine could be produced by the end of 2020, others feel less hopeful. Over 100 potential vaccines for COVID-19 are being worked on around the world. Typically, vaccines take over two years to develop and test. “The development and approval path for a vaccine is long and fraught with hurdles,” Professor Franches Richmond says.
How To Avoid COVID-19
There are a few ways to avoid coronavirus. The most important method of avoiding COVID-19 includes hand hygiene. A person should wash their hands (scrubbing for 20 seconds) consistently throughout the day. If they do not have access to water or soap, they should use hand sanitizer with above 60% alcohol. If a person plans on leaving their home or being around others, they should wear a mask and maintain six feet away from other individuals.
COVID-19 Testing in the Bay Area
If you are displaying symptoms of coronavirus and need a test, BASS Primary Care is here to help. We will firstly schedule a Telehealth video visit with one of our medical professionals, where you can discuss testing options and receive an instant referral. Your test will be completed in a low-risk environment in your vehicle or in our facility. You will receive your test results within 24-48 hours. BASS Primary Care understands how stressful this situation is for you. This is why we work our hardest to make your specimen collection quick and easy. To book an appointment, call us at (925)962-9120 or visit us online.
.png)