The novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified, thought to spread from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths of noses of people nearby or can be inhaled into the lungs. Spread of the coronavirus is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
How can you stay safe?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially if you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water is not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who do not live in your household
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
- Monitor your health daily and be alert for symptoms
What is IFMC doing to help me stay safe?
- Patients are pre-screened before entering for any potential COVID-19 symptoms and exposure
- Patients are checked with a contactless thermometer for any signs of fever prior to entering
- Any patients exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms are treated via Telehealth visits remotely
- All patient rooms are sterilized after each patient visit with medical grade antibacterial wipes
- Patient rooms are sterilized regularly with ultraviolet light to kill any lingering bacteria and/or viruses
- All patients and staff are required to masks at all times. N95 masks are available for sale at IFMC
- Immune boosting supplements are available for sale at IFMC
- Telehealth visits are available to all patients who prefer not to leave their households
What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?
- Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath or check other COVID-19 symptoms on the CDC website. Keep track of all symptoms you are experiencing.
- If you have an emergency warning signs (including but not limited to: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face) please call 911 or go to your local emergency facility.
- Stay home except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas
- Stay in touch with your doctor.
- Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
- Separate yourself from other people as much as possible – stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom if possible. If you need to be around other people inside the home, wear a mask.
- Call ahead before visiting IFMC – let us know that you may have COVID-19 and we can reschedule your appointment to a telemedicine visit.
- Avoid sharing personal household items such as dishes, towels or bedding with people in your home.
- Clean all high-touch surfaces daily and continue to wash hands regularly
- Self-quarantine for at least 14 days or at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours have passed without a fever or taking fever reducing medicine.
- All people in the household should be tested for COVID-19, and all potential people you have been in contact with should be notified.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I keep hearing about hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 – does it work?
Based upon recent clinical trials, the FDA has determined that hydroxychloroquine used independently or with other medicines, is unlikely to kill or inhibit the virus that causes COVID-19 in the human body. Further, hydroxychloroquine when used to treat COVID-19 patients has been reported to cause serious heart rhythm problems, and other safety issues, such as blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
What is the difference between all of the COVID-19 tests that are currently offered?
There are currently two different types of tests for COVID-19: diagnostic tests, which show if you have an active coronavirus infection, and antibody tests that look for antibodies made by your immune system in response to exposure to the coronavirus days or weeks after you’ve already had the infection. There are two types of diagnostic tests which detect the virus, molecular tests, which detect the virus’s genetic material, and antigen tests, which detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus. The table below from the FDA shows the difference between all of these tests.
Does wearing a mask actually protect me from the coronavirus?
As COVID-19 is thought to spread via droplets between person to person communication and contact, there is increasing evidence that cloth face coverings help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. Studies on COVID-19 transmission have shown that cloth face coverings help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others. Individuals gain protection from masking when others in the community also wear face coverings. When wearing a facemask, be sure to put it on with clean hands and attach it so that it fully covers your mouth and nose. Do not touch or adjust your facemask without cleaning your hands before and after. Before removing, wash your hands, and remove your facemask touching only the straps or ties, and throw it away, before washing your hands again.
