Professor of
Medicine, University of Virginia
As the nation adjusts
to the threat of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, it’s only
natural to worry whether a cough or aches and pains could be signs you have
become infected by the virus. Dr. William Petri, a professor of medicine and
immunologist at the University of Virginia Medical Center, explains when you
need to call your doctor.
1. What symptoms
should I look for?
People should suspect
that they might have COVID-19 if they are experiencing fever, cough
and/or shortness of breath. These symptoms, however, are also
symptoms of other illnesses. For example, the nation is still in the middle of
a flu epidemic, and fever and cough are also symptoms of flu. It is most likely
that you have flu or other respiratory illness. So, it is important to pay
attention to symptoms but to also know they will not necessarily mean that you
have COVID-19.
2. When should I see
a doctor?
If your have fever,
cough and/or shortness of breath, call your doctor. Do not just show up; it is
very important to call first. Most doctors’ offices will have ways to isolate
someone who potentially has COVID-19. Your doctor’s office will likely ask
screening questions on the phone and will provide instructions about what to do
when you arrive.
3. I’ve have a runny
nose and sniffles. Could this coronavirus?
A runny nose or nasal
congestion would not be likely to be COVID-19.
4. What can I expect
at the doctor’s office?
The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you put on a face mask before you enter your doctor’s office
or other health care facility.
Your doctor or health
care provider would likely test for flu first, because the country is in the
middle of a flu epidemic. If the flu test is negative then you will be tested
for COVID-19, especially if you have risk factors. That would include having
traveled to a country or area of the U.S. with sustained person-to-person
transmission, or having been in contact with someone with COVID-19.
This likely will
change as soon as COVID-19 tests are more available – at that time everyone
with a fever and cough will be tested.
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