We are living in unprecedented times, and we are all on the front lines fighting an invisible enemy. The COVID-19 pandemic has incited fear and panic in our country and throughout the world.
We don’t have to panic or allow fear to consume us. We just need to be smart and know how to protect ourselves the best we can. The following information may help you as you move forward to navigate responsibly in our beloved community. Here is what we know….
Older adults and people who have severe underlying
medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes
seem to be at higher risk for developing serious
complications from COVID-19 illness.
Know how it spreads:
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Everyone should:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others outside your home.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will be sufficient
Monitor Your Health Daily:
- Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
- Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet. Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
- Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
- Follow CDC guidelines if symptoms develop.
Here are some good ways to BOOST your immune system:
- Exercise, per your healthcare provider’s advice
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats.
- Avoid tobacco
- Control blood pressure.
- Limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- Get seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
What do I do if I’m interested in a COVID-19 diagnostic test or an antibody test?
Contact your doctor or other health care professional to discuss your situation and whether he or she thinks you need a COVID-19 diagnostic test or an antibody test.
What those results mean:
Positive: You produced the COVID-19 IgG antibody and have a high likelihood of prior infection. Some patients with past infections may not have experienced any symptoms. It is unclear at this time if a positive IgG infers immunity against future COVID-19 infection. Please continue with universal precautions: social distancing, hand washing and when applicable PPE such as masks or gloves.
Negative: You tested negative for COVID-19 IgG antibody. This means you have not been infected with COVID-19. Please note, it may take 14-21 days to produce detectable levels of IgG following infection. If you had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within the past 3 weeks and tested negative, repeat testing in 1-2 weeks may yield a positive result.
Equivocal: Your test results could not be interpreted as Positive or Negative. The most common reasons for equivocal results are presence of an immune response but unclear if against the infection being tested for (COVID-19 in this case) or similar infections (the common cold is a type of coronavirus). If indicated, a repeat test may yield more reliable results.
East Memphis Direct Primary Care is currently offering antibody testing for $99.95.
Call today to schedule your appointment. (901) 325-3199