If you have symptoms of or exposure to COVID-19 Coronavirus
CALL FOR INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU COME
so that we can limit potential exposure to our other patients and staff.
FACTS ABOUT COVID-19
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
The most common symptoms that may appear 2 to 14 days following exposure to the virus are:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
Symptoms may also include at least two of these:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
COVID-19 RISK FACTORS
- Travel to an affected country/region
- Close contact (within 6 feet) with a person diagnosed with COVID-19
IF YOU SUSPECT YOU HAVE COVID-19
If you suspect you have COVID-19 AND you have one of more of the risk factors, immediately call your primary care physician for instruction. If you do not have a primary care provider, call the Louisiana Department of Health general information line (2-1-1) or your preferred healthcare provider (urgent care, emergency department) for instructions.
DO NOT ARRIVE AT ANY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WITHOUT CALLING FIRST TO GET INSTRUCTIONS. Arriving at a location without getting instruction risks exposure of others who do not have this virus.
IF YOUR CONDITION IS LIFE-THREATENING, CALL 9-1-1, but be sure to SHARE YOUR SYMPTOMS and RISK FACTORS with the operator so appropriate measures can be taken when transporting you to a healthcare facility.
Avoid public areas. Stay at home away from others if you are sick.
Limit contact with pets and animals. Since little is known about this virus, avoid contact with your pets. If you must care for a pet while ill, wash your hands before interacting with the pet and wear a facemask.
Cover your coughs and sneezes. Dispose of tissues in a lined trashcan. Wash your hands immediately.
Clean your hands often. Wash with soap and water at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom, and before eating or preparing food. If you do not have soap and water, use an alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your face. Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean household/personal items daily. These include your dishes, cell phone, computer keyboard, door knobs, countertops, sink faucet handles, etc.