If you are feeling ill with symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath, it’s best to isolate yourself at home. If your condition becomes severe, contact an emergency room and let them know you will be coming.

Story by: Norton Healthcare on April 1, 2020

If you are feeling ill with symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath, it’s best to isolate yourself at home. Wear a face mask, if available, when around other people. If a face mask isn’t available, improvise with a scarf or bandana.

“Obviously, if you are sick with the coronavirus and you go to a facility to get tested or evaluated, you could infect somebody else. I think the main message is that if you would not have sought care prior to the coronavirus being in our community, you probably don’t need to seek care now,” said James M. Frazier, M.D., vice president, medical affairs and quality, Norton Healthcare.

Please take our online questionnaire if you’re concerned about your symptoms. If you need to get care, try a remote visit using Norton eCare. If that doesn’t work for you or you have trouble getting through, make an appointment at a Norton Immediate Care Center.

To get started with Norton eCare, sign in to MyNortonChart. If you don’t have a MyNortonChart account, sign up at NortonHealthcare.com/MyNortonChart. Norton eCare providers will screen you and determine the next steps in your treatment, much like an office visit.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following ways to manage your health if you have possible or confirmed COVID-19

• Stay home from work or school and away from other public places. If you must go out, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your health care provider immediately.
• Get rest and stay hydrated.
• If you have a medical appointment, call the health care provider ahead of time and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19.
• For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you have or may have COVID-19.
• Cover your cough and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around other people in or outside of the home, wear a face mask.
• Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes, towels and bedding
• Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.

If your condition becomes severe, contact an emergency room and let them know you will be coming.

Emergency warning signs include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face