Current data on COVID-19 has been able to identify demographics and patient groups are at highest risk for symptoms and complications from infection of the virus. The current health protocols call for social distancing, with exceptions including travel for groceries, essential supplies and medical care.
Patients that fall into specific high-risk groups for COVID-19 symptoms need extra caution. Any patient over the age of 60, or as autoimmune vulnerables, or has a pre-exisiting chronic condition, are more likely to develop fatal healthcare risks than other patient groups.
So how can patients that have a higher-than-normal risk continue to prevent COVID-19 as businesses and states begin to reopen?
Watch for these COVID-19 Symptoms
Most COVID-19 are asymptomatic (without symptoms), which is part of the reason why social distancing protocol is so important. COVID-19 has many of the the same symptoms of as other respiratory infections. If you begin to exhibit any of the following, it is important that you schedule a telemedicine visit at Instant Urgent Care to pre-screen for COVID-19 testing.
- Dry, persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Congestion
- Stomach cramps
- Loss of smell or taste
What are the most at-risk groups for COVID-19?
Patient groups considered to be high-risk for complications from COVID-19 include:
- Adults over the age of 60
- Patients with compromised immune systems
- Diabetes patients
- Patients with heart and/or lung disease
Patients who exhibit symptoms should arrange for a telemedicine visit as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and determine if you qualify for testing.
Staying safe from COVID as the state reopens
Like other states, Califorina will slowly reopen stores, businesses, and resturants and COVID-19 cases settle.
But that doesn’t mean that high-risk patients should no longer worry about coronavirus. It just means that they should continue to prepare for stay-at-home sheltering and maintain infection control protocols, per the CDC:
- Reduce and limit supply trips out of the home. Stock up on nonperishable groceries for between one and two weeks and consult with your physician to see if you can get multiple refills of any prescription medications you are taking. If not, look into mail-order or delivery services from local pharmacies. Make sure you have typical flu supplies on hand including paper towels, ibuprofen and toilet paper.
- Reduce and limit contact with those not living in your home. Maintain a six-foot radius from others whenever possible if you leave the house for exercise, fresh air or a supply run. Wear a mask or protective face covering whenever you are outside of your home.
- Wash your hands and wipe down surfaces regularly throughout the day in order to kill germs. The virus can live on surfaces for several days, and wiping down common objects like keyboards and food preparation areas can help kill germs.