COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Identified in 2019 (hence the 19 in the name), it is highly contagious and spreads quickly. Usually, COVID-19 causes respiratory symptoms and can feel like a cold or the flu. Most people have relatively mild symptoms, while others may have much more severe symptoms and can become extremely ill.
While some people who contract COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms or even no symptoms at all, for others this can be a life-threatening disease. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness and require immediate medical attention.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Common Symptoms Include:
See your doctor as soon as possible. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, you may be eligible for an oral medication that must be started within 5 days of onset of symptoms to decrease your chances of being hospitalized or dying from the disease.
Also, it will be important to stay home and away from other and to keep an eye out for serious symptoms such as having trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, difficulty waking up, or bluish lips. If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 or go to the closest Emergency Room.
Basic health and hygiene measures, such as handwashing, are most important to reducing your risk.
The (CDC) recommends several other actions to minimize your risk.
All patients will be evaluated by a provider who will determine which test is appropriate.
Patients with one or more COVID-19 symptoms, with onset within the last 5 days:
Patients with COVID-19 symptoms with onset more than 5 days ago, and patients without symptoms:
Important note: Effective March 23, 2022, the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) no longer covers the cost of COVID-19 visits and tests for patients without insurance. Prior to this date, most self-pay patients had no out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 visits and testing. After this date, self-pay patients are responsible for visit and test charges as described.
All Patient First Centers are taking extensive steps, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to provide a safe environment for patients who need care, as well as for our staff:
No, the COVID-19 vaccine is not available at Patient First. Click here to learn more.
For more information and updates on COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s website here.
Patient First treats many conditions at our urgent care centers including COVID-19. You can visit any Patient First center from 8am to 8pm, any day of the week – no appointment is needed
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