COVID-19 FAQs: What You Need to Know

By Tyler Francke, Oregon Veterans News Magazine

What is Coronavirus COVID-19?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines COVID-19 as a new type of coronavirus (or “novel coronavirus”). COVID-19 belongs to a large family of viruses that are common in people and different animal species. On rare occasions, animal coronaviruses can infect people, and then spread from person-to-person. This is how COVID-19 started.

Many people may be concerned about catching this new respiratory virus that leads to COVID-19 disease, and that’s understandable. Since the first reports in late December, about 10 million people around the world have tested positive. That number includes approximately 2.59 million confirmed cases in the United States as of June 28.

The good news: Most people who become infected will recover, according to the CDC, and without needing special medical treatment. So there’s no need to panic if you get sick. What’s important is knowing what to do next to help ensure a full recovery and avoid infecting someone else.

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever at or above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC says these symptoms can occur anywhere from two days to two weeks after becoming infected. Other symptoms may include muscle pain, headache, chills, sore throat, and a new loss of taste or smell.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

Emergency warning signs that require immediate medical attention include trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, and bluish lips or face. The CDC advises anyone experiencing these symptoms to call 911. If possible, put on a face covering before medical help arrives.

Some people may become seriously ill from COVID-19 and have difficulty breathing. The virus may be especially dangerous for people who have chronic or long-term health conditions that affect the immune system. Those conditions include heart or lung disease, diabetes, treatment for cancer, and HIV/AIDS.

For cases that are not emergencies, experts advise people to stay home. Don’t go to a military treatment facility or urgent care clinic because that may expose others to the virus. Instead, contact the MHS Nurse Advice Line. Registered nurses will screen for COVID-19 exposure or infection. They also will offer advice for self-care and, if appropriate, coordinate virtual appointments with health care providers. Nurses also may make a referral to visit a health care provider in person.

If you have a fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, call your primary care provider or VA medical center before going to a clinic, urgent care or emergency room. You can also send your doctor a secure message through My HealtheVet.

Contacting your health care provider first helps them protect you, their medical staff and other patients.

You should also visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov to learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19.

Can I be tested for COVID-19?

Testing is based on many factors, including the severity of symptoms, other existing illnesses or conditions, possible exposure, and other criteria. VA health facilities have been testing veterans who meet the testing criteria provided by the CDC. In Oregon, testing criteria have been developed by Oregon Health Authority and the public health departments of each county. Consult your primary care provider, VA medical clinic or county health center if you think you should be tested for COVID-19.

Can I Use Emergency/Urgent Care?

If you’re experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department/ER. Don’t forget about the urgent care options that may be available to eligible veterans in your community.

By using the ED/ER only for medical emergencies, you can help frontline health care workers protect you, themselves and other patients, as well as help them address critical medical needs first during this period of COVID-19 outbreak.

Symptoms that may need emergency medical (immediate) attention include:

• Chest pain

• Numbness or tingling in your arms or on one side of your body

• Severe fever or violent vomiting

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop

Symptoms that may need urgent care attention (within 24 to 48 hours) include:

• Sore throat, earache

• Sprains or strained muscles from sports or exercise

• Minor cuts and injuries

No Symptoms But Feeling Stressed?

It is common in these unprecedented times to feel anxious and overwhelmed. Concerns about COVID-19 can be stressful for many people, and it’s understandable to feel anxious. It’s important to take steps to manage stress and take care of yourself.

Stay connected and healthy. Stay in touch with friends and family by phone and social media, and get enough sleep and exercise. Visit the CDC’s website to learn about managing stress and anxiety about COVID-19.

Get more tips. The National Center for PTSD has created a guide for managing stress associated with COVID-19, which you can find at www.ptsd.va.gov/covid/COVID_managing_stress. asp.