COVID-19: What You Should Know

What began with a handful of mysterious illnesses on the other side of the globe has traveled the world. First detected in late 2019, the coronavirus now has killed millions of people with infections surpassing 150 million worldwide. It has triggered nationwide lockdowns, economic upheaval and despair.

As we wait for cases to drop and the pandemic to be declared over, we must continue taking measures to prevent the virus’s spread. The virus is typically spread between people in close contact with one another by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, and loss of taste or smell.

Read below to learn about best practices to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Ways to Protect Yourself

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
• Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, countertops,handles, desks, phones, keyboards, faucets, and sinks.
• Continuously monitor your health. Be alert for symptoms.

What to Do if You Feel Sick

• Stay home except to get medical care. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider and get tested.
• Isolate yourself from others, including those living in your household, to prevent spread to them and the people that they may have contact with, like coworkers and friends.
• Call 911 if you are having emergency warning signs, like trouble breathing, pain or pressure in chest.
• Do not go to work until you are free of symptoms. 

What to Do if You are Diagnosed with COVID-19

• STAY HOME. Take care of yourself and follow the guidance of your healthcare provider.
• Separate yourself from other people,including the people in your household.
• Avoid public areas and public transportation.
• Monitor your symptoms and stay in touch with your doctor.
• Follow the instructions of your local health department.
• Continue to sanitize and practice cleanliness.
• Wear a facemask if you need to be around other people.
• Avoid sharing personal household items like dishes, utensils, and towels.
• In terms of work, notify your human resources department. They can then inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 while maintaining your confidentiality.
• Seek medical attention quickly if your illness worsens.

Ways to Support Yourself

• Create a list of local organizations that you can contact in the event you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources.
• Limit news consumption to just a couple times a day and disconnect from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
• Take care of your body by deep breathing, stretching, or meditating.
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
• Make time to do activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others, including your community- or faith-based organizations.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

California Department of Public Health

Find a COVID-19 testing site

Crisis Resources

Learn More

If you have questions about COVID-19, or where you can get a vaccine, get in touch with our experts at BASS Urgent Care today by calling (925) 329-3718 for more information. Our medical staff is here to address any concerns you may have.