The Record Special Sections Health Quarterly 04-26-2020 | Page 6
6 ❚ SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2020 ❚ THE RECORD
HEALTH QUARTERLY / ADVERTISING SECTION
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
I
f you think you’ve been
exposed to COVID-19 or are
developing symptoms associ-
ated with the illness, follow
these steps to help protect your-
self and others from getting sick.
If you’ve
been exposed
to someone
who has test-
ed positive
for COVID-19:
n Stay
home and
monitor your symptoms (check
regularly for fever, cough and dif-
ficulty breathing).
n Avoid touching your face,
nose and eyes, and practice good
hygiene such as washing your
hands and cleaning “high touch”
surfaces often.
n Avoid contact with others for
at least 14 days even if symptoms
have subsided.
If you exhibit symptoms:
MAKE A CALL FIRST
If you continue to experi-
ence mild symptoms including
respiratory symptoms with fever
and cough or if symptoms have
worsened, you should utilize tele-
medicine or call your primary care
physician or nearest urgent
care facility.
For telemedicine, visit
ConvenientCareNow.com or
search ‘Convenient Care Now’ in
your app store to download the
telemedicine app on your phone
and initiate a video visit with a
board-certified physician. Using
telemedicine instead of an office
visit helps patients and caregiv-
ers avoid unnecessary exposure
to COVID-19. Use promo code
HMH20 for a discounted rate
of $20. If you’re 65-plus, use
promo code HMHFree for a free
consult. Promo codes apply to NJ
residents only.
For urgent care facilities,
you should call first for an initial
phone consultation to screen
for COVID-19 to avoid contact
with other patients.
If you have a primary care
physician, please call their office
for initial over the phone con-
sultation, as well. If you don’t
have a primary care physician,
you can locate one throughout
Hackensack Meridian Health.
IF A VISIT IS REQUIRED
If, after your initial phone
consultation, the clinician advises
you visit a care facility for further
evaluation, remember to call
to let the facility know when you
will be arriving. Caregivers
in our patient care locations have
rigorous precautions in place
to reduce further spread of the
virus to other patients who do
not have COVID-19, as well as the
medical staff.
WHEN AN EMERGENCY
DEPARTMENT VISIT
IS APPROPRIATE
If you are experiencing severe
symptoms that you believe
to be related to COVID-19, it
is appropriate to go to the
emergency department. Some
emergency warning signs include*:
n Difficulty breathing or short-
ness of breath
n Persistent pain or pressure
in the chest
n New confusion or inability
to arouse
n Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive.
Please consult your medical pro-
vider for any other symptoms that
are severe or concerning.
For individuals who are high
risk, including those who are 65
or older and those who have com-
promised immune sys-
tems or are pregnant,
seeking advice from
your medical provider
at the onset, regard-
less of symptoms, is
critical.
Our emergency
departments are
ready to deal with
any emergency amid
the coronavirus out-
break. We’re taking
every precaution to
PHOTO COURTESY
OF HACKENSACK
MERIDIAN HEALTH
Mild cases
of COVID-19 can
be treated at home
in isolation and
in consultation
with one’s primary
care physician.
I Think I Have
Coronavirus, Now What?
If you experience fever and high temperature, it is advisable to
contact your primary physician as both could be COVID-19-related.
prevent the spread of COVID-19
to patients who come to the emer-
gency department for severe or
life-threatening illnesses.
If you are experiencing a
life-threatening emergency, you
need to call 9-1-1 and go to the
emergency department.
HOME ISOLATION
If your health care provider
suspects you have a mild case
of COVID-19, isolate at home.
Here’s how:
n Restrict activities outside
of your house, except for getting
medical care as instructed by a
health care professional. Don’t go
to work, school or public places.
n Avoid public transportation,
such as buses, taxis or other ride-
sharing options.
n Separate yourself from
others at home. If possible, stay
in a separate room and use a
separate bathroom.
n Don’t handle pets or other
animals while sick.
n Wear a facemask if you
must be near other people (such
as in a car or sharing a room).
n Always cover coughs and
sneezes with a tissue. Throw
the used tissue out in a lined trash
can immediately and wash hands
with soap and water afterwards.
n Wash hands often with soap
for a minimum of 20 seconds
and avoid touching your eyes,
nose and mouth.
n Avoid sharing household
items, such as dishes, cups and
towels. Wash commonly used
items often and thoroughly.
n Clean “high-touch” sur-
faces every day, such as counters,
doorknobs, phones, keyboards and
toilets with a household cleaning
spray or wipe.
The decision to discontinue
home isolation should be made
in consultation with your health
care provider, and state and local
health departments.
MONITOR
YOUR SYMPTOMS
Take your temperature and
check for symptoms daily for 14
days after exposure. If your illness
worsens, contact your doctor. We
can’t stress enough how impor-
tant it is to call before seeking
care, so the facility can properly
prepare for potential exposure to
COVID-19.
HELP PROTECT OTHERS
IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD
FROM GETTING COVID-19
Follow these steps, in addition
to those previously mentioned,
to reduce the risk of spreading
germs:
n While using a separate
bathroom, if available, also use
a separate bedroom.
n Restrict visitors who don’t
have an essential reason for being
in the home.
n Take the lead on caring for
any pets.
n Make sure there’s good
air flow in the home — using
the air conditioner or opening
windows if weather permits.
n Wear a disposable
facemask and gloves if you
have to come in contact with the
patient, especially their blood,
stool, saliva, mucus, vomit or
urine. Throw away after using.
The material provided
through HealthU is intended to
be used as general information
only and should not replace
the advice of your physician.
Always consult your physician
for individual care.