If you think you have coronavirus, here’s what to do
If you think you may have coronavirus there are several steps to consider when seeking testing and treatment in the greater Houston area.
1. Assess the severity of your symptoms. Monitor your symptoms every day to determine if they are getting better, unchanged or getting worse. Stay at home unless you are seeking medical evaluation. If you have questions consult your primary healthcare provider or your local health department coronavirus call center.
2. If your symptoms are mild, contact your primary care medical office. You will likely be asked a series of questions regarding recent travel, exposure to a patient with COVID19, other health conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, or pregnancy and your current symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. Your primary healthcare provider will direct you to either stay home to manage your symptoms or will instruct you
where you can get tested with a healthcare provider order.
3. If your symptoms are mild and you do not have a primary care medical office, contact your local health department coronavirus call center for further instruction. The City of Houston Health Department and Harris County Public Health offices have an online self-assessment tool to evaluate if you qualify for testing
at checkforcorona.com. The questionnaire includes assessment of travel, COVID19 exposures, health conditions and current symptoms to determine your need for testing. After completion of the survey and if you qualify for testing, you will subsequently undergo a phone consultation to determine need for testing, will be given a testing code and a testing site.
4. If you are having worsening symptoms or moderate to severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Prior to going in for medical evaluation, call the medical office or the emergency room to alert them of your symptoms and concerns so they can be prepared for your visit. When seeking medical attention, if feasible wear a mask when entering into public spaces.
5. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911. Describe your symptoms to the operator and your concern for coronavirus.
Jill Weatherhead, MD, MS, is an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine’s National School of Tropical Medicine; Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases; and Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases.