COVID-19

Please read below for common questions you may have in regards to COVID-19. 1. What are the common symptoms for COVID-19? Common symptoms include a sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, fever over 100.4 degrees F and body aches.

Please read below for common questions you may have in regards to COVID-19.

1. What are the common symptoms for COVID-19?

Common symptoms include a sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, fever over 100.4 degrees F and body aches. Please be aware that some individuals experience only some of these symptoms or none at all.

2. What do I do if I believe I have COVID-19?

Please refrain from going to the ER unless you are experiencing respiratory distress or life threatening symptoms. We need to reserve the ER resources for those who are very sick. If your symptoms are mild, please self-isolate and treat yourself at home. I understand everyone would like to be tested, but as stated above, tests are limited. Leaving your house in search of testing poses unnecessary risk to those around you. It also increases your risk of a COVID-19 infection, in case you do not have it already. Please schedule a virtual visit to hear if we think you need urgent management or an ER visit.

3. What do I do if I have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

Please self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. You may call the CDC/DOH to inquire about testing, but please be aware that unfortunately, you may still not qualify to be tested. During this time, you may also schedule a virtual visit with one of our providers for more assistance.

4. What do I do if I know someone who knows someone who has tested positive?

Distant exposure to a known COVID-19 case puts you at minimal risk for infection. Monitor your symptoms and practice social distancing.

5. What should I be doing to minimize my risk of infection?

Please regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and don’t touch anybody while maintaining the recommended 6 foot distance if possible.
Try not to touch your face
If you do not have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Practice social distancing. Even if you are young and healthy, you put older and immunocompromised individuals at risk by going out for pleasure.

Of note, COVID-19 testing kits remain scarce. We ourselves do not have the capability and means to test for COVID-19 at this time. We will update as soon as local testing centers become available.

If you have any further questions, please schedule a Virtual Visit for a consult by calling (202) 244-0812 or (202) 686-0813. Continue to use the Patient Portal to send us requests or recommendations. We will try to continue to update you, as we have access to more information.

Sincerely,
Spring Valley Internal Medicine