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.