It’s normal to be nervous about catching COVID-19. To ease your mind a little, stay informed and be prepared for what might happen if you get sick. We’re here to help you plan for what to do if you think you (or a family member) have coronavirus.
If You Think You Have COVID-19 Symptoms, Call Your Doctor
If you’re concerned that you’ve been exposed to coronavirus and you develop the main coronavirus disease symptoms (fever, cough and difficulty breathing), call your primary care physician. You can also visit them virtually from your smartphone through the AdventHealth app.
Your physician can evaluate your symptoms, answer your questions and advise you on the best next steps.
To help prevent the spread of coronavirus, you should avoid the emergency department at your local hospital except in the event of an emergency. For your safety and that of everyone around you, call your doctor from home.
If You Have COVID-19, Treatment Likely Means Isolating at Home
Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine for COVID-19 yet, and there’s no approved treatment for it — antiviral or otherwise. The CDC says that people who have coronavirus disease with mild symptoms should receive supportive care at home.
Since there’s no approved coronavirus disease treatment yet, you can count on the CDC’s guidance for the best and most up-to-date advice on what to do if you have COVID-19.
For Severe COVID-19 Cases
If your doctor determines that your coronavirus disease symptoms are severe, you may need to be hospitalized, depending on your needs. Severe cases of COVID-19 should receive care to support vital organ function, the CDC also says.
For Mild COVID-19 Cases
If you’re sick with coronavirus disease but don’t need to be hospitalized, the CDC says to isolate yourself. Treatment for mild cases of coronavirus generally means caring for yourself at home, including:
- Avoid sharing personal items with other household members
- Covering your coughs and sneezes
- Getting rest and staying hydrated
- Following your doctor’s advice on how to treat your symptoms
- Follow steps to avoid getting other people sick
- Isolating yourself (stay 6 feet away from others)
- Monitoring your symptoms closely to be sure they don’t get worse
- Stay in a specific room in the house, away from others
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen
Facts Over Fear: Hope and Healing for COVID-19
If you or someone you know has coronavirus disease, don’t lose heart. There’s always hope and, it may surprise you to know that many coronavirus facts are actually positive:
- Getting coronavirus doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop life-threatening illness
- The recovery rate for COVID-19 is great, at 80%
- Many people heal from COVID-19 at home
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that, “Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild.” Only 1 in 5 people who get sick with coronavirus need medical care.
Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart
While we might not know what tomorrow holds, we know Who holds the future. God is in control of all things. Lean on His love during this time of uncertainty and encourage your loved ones to do the same.
Here to Help You Face the Coronavirus With Confidence
We’re here to see you through this, every step of the way. At AdventHealth, we’re here with expert, compassionate care if you or someone in your family gets sick from the coronavirus. Our hospitals and outpatient locations — including Centra Care and AdventHealth Medical Group practices — are prepared, should we treat someone who has the coronavirus.
At every stage of the outbreak, we’ll answer your coronavirus FAQs, help you prepare for a quarantine and give you other important resources on our Coronavirus Resource Hub.
