- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath / difficulty breathing
- sore throat
- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- smell/taste changes
-
headache
-
runny nose
-
congestion
-
fatigue
-
muscle/body aches
-
chills
Always call your health care provider if you feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Please let your provider know if you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19. Your health care professional will evaluate you to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. If you don't have a provider, call Mercy On Call, 319-358-2767.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 seek medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are concerning.
Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation
How do people get Coronavirus?
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person-to-person, similar to the flu – through the air from a cough or sneeze of someone who has the virus. It may be possible a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object which has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How can we prevent the spread of COVID-19?
To help prevent the spread of all viruses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
- Staying home if you are sick
- Wear a mask when with others
- Social distancing, keeping at least 6 feet of distance from others
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Disinfecting surfaces and objects (phones, computers, desktops, counters, faucets, etc.) using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community:
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor, going to Urgent Care or the Emergency Room
- Wear a face mask when seeking medical care
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Clean all "high-touch" surfaces everyday
- Monitor your symptoms
- Continue home isolation as recommended by your provider
What do I do if I think I have been exposed to COVID-19?
If you are concerned you have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact your health care provider who will evaluate you to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. Please call your health care provider before going in.
At Mercy Iowa City, we are following guidelines provided by the CDC and Iowa Public Health Department to screen patients for symptoms including fever and respiratory signs as well as exposure to COVID-19.
If a person is found to have symptoms and travel history suggesting COVID-19, precautions will be used during care to help prevent transmission to others. Testing will occur in accordance a provider's assessment and criteria as described by Iowa Department of Public Health.
If you begin to experience symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, call your primary care provider before coming in. If you do not have a doctor, call Mercy On Call at 319-358-2767 to find a provider near you.
Additional Information/Resources
If you have general questions on COVID-19, please dial 2-1-1. For the latest CDC guidelines, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.
IDPH Summary of Enhanced Public Health Measures
https://www.mercyone.org/health-and-wellness/health-answers/covid-19-what-you-need-to-know
https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/Prevention
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