COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving global situation. Bio Clinic is working with public health partners at all levels and will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.

Do you think you may have Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Take these steps:

1. Start with giving us a call at (928) 342-6500 to be advised on what to do next.
2. Call ahead before going in person to any of our Bio Clinic locations.
3. Don’t go to the emergency room for COVID-19 testing. The emergency room is only for those who need the most critical care.
4. If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, a severe headache or other potentially life-threatening problems, please go to the nearest hospital or call 911.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a virus strain, first identified in Wuhan, China, that has only spread in people since December 2019 and continues to spread across the globe.

Health experts around the planet are closely monitoring the situation because little is known about this new virus, it has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people, especially those with low immune systems.

How does COVID-19 spread and what are the symptoms?

COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, which means to become infected, people generally must be within six feet of someone who is contagious and come into contact with these droplets. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Symptoms of COVID-19 appear within two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose and difficulty breathing.

How long does it take for symptoms of the COVID-19 to appear?

The CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days, or as long as 14 days after exposure. Many governments are requiring an isolation period of 14 days or more for people returning from areas where exposure has been confirmed.

How is COVID-19 treated?

There is currently no FDA approved medication for COVID-19. People infected with this virus should receive supportive care such as rest, fluids and fever control to help them relieve these symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions in a hospital setting.

Personal Prevention

Is there a vaccine?

There is no vaccine  currently available.

How can I best protect myself?

Practice the following:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Standard household cleansers and wipes are effective in cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season and CDC recommends getting vaccinated, taking these everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.

I have a chronic condition that puts me at high risk. How can I best protect myself?

Unfortunately, there is not yet a vaccine that can prevent COVID-19, so we cannot prevent the disease.

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is new, so we don’t yet understand exactly how it impacts specific groups of high-risk people. But, those who are thought to be most susceptible to serious complications of COVID-19 include people who:

• Are over age 65.
• Have cancer.
• Have hypertension.
• Have lung disease.
• Have diabetes.
• Have heart disease.
• Have another condition that compromises the immune system.
• Are taking medications that suppress the immune system.

But there are things you can do to minimize your risk if you have a weakened immune system or are immunocompromised.

Should I wear a face mask? Will that help protect me?

If you are sick: You should wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a face mask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a face mask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.

If you are not sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask). Face masks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

For more information and up to date updates please visit the CDC Website.