Here are some topics related to Coronavirus with information that is current to date. As you all know, this information can quickly change so we will keep updating as we learn new information.
Where can I go to get a test?
Always check the local pharmacies and Amazon for the availability of home test kits.
Covid Check Colorado is your best bet for non-home testing: covidcheckcolorado.org/
We have also had good luck with this company: www.testdirectly.com/patient/home
Where can I find information about outpatient treatment, including monoclonal antibodies?
Here is the link for places that provide monoclonal antibodies on an outpatient basis:
https://covid19.colorado.gov/getting-covid-19-treatment
Where can I go to find information about Covid 19 vaccines?
Our clinicians are more than happy to answer your questions or concerns about the vaccines. The WHO (World Health Organization) is also a great reference for up-to-date vaccine education.
Where can I go to get a vaccine?
For the most up to date information on locations in Denver metro, visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine/where-you-can-get-vaccinated
Can you tell if someone has coronavirus vs. other viruses by symptoms alone?
Unfortunately, most of the time, as we have learned COVID-19 infections range from little-to-no symptoms (similar to the common cold or influenza) to more serious illnesses that require hospitalization or even cause death. Also, although fever and respiratory symptoms are the most common symptoms, some people do not get those symptoms at all.
Should I get tested if I’m sick?
If you are not yet vaccinated and have symptoms concerning for COVID-19, including cold or flu like symptoms such as cough, fever, body aches, sore throat, diarrhea, etc. you should be tested for the virus. This is especially true and needed if a person has exposure to another person with COVID-19 or if you are a person that is at higher risk for getting exposed and spreading it to others. If you have been vaccinated and do not have signs of severe illness (see below) you may elect to stay home and rest. A test is not required.
Do I need to quarantine myself if I do not confirm it’s coronavirus? Or my lab results are pending?
If you are unvaccinated, then yes. Even without testing we strongly recommend you quarantine yourself at home (see description below) for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of any concerning symptoms. Even if you are not severely ill or test negative initially, the virus can be present and spread to others. We know this is a major inconvenience but this is truly a matter of life and death for members of our community. If you are vaccinated, you are not required to isolate, but you may consider quarantining away from others who may be immune compromised or not yet vaccinated.
What is meant by quarantine vs isolation?
QUARANTINE: This means you should try not leave your house or property. The goal is to not interact with anybody who is not a member of the household. There are certain “essential” activities that may be required during a quarantine (i.e. getting food, picking up medication, etc). If that is required, it is reasonable to leave the home if masked and you maintain complete social distancing of 6 feet or more. But, it is best to arrange for delivery of such things if possible.
ISOLATION: This means stay at home and avoid as many people as possible, including family members. This can be very challenging if there are multiple people in your household.
If I have confirmed COVID-19, what about my household or family members?
It is very difficult, sometimes impossible, to not spread viruses among a household. But, the best way to prevent spread of germs is isolation from others within a home as much as possible. Family members, especially older or vulnerable people, should use precautions, including not being in the same room, frequent hand-washing, and use of separate bathrooms if possible. If isolation cannot be done, the cycle of infection and spread can last for several weeks within a household. It’s also important to avoid eating meals together if someone is infected.
Do I need to notify others (contacts and exposures)?
Sick but not confirmed COVID-19: It is fine to tell your close contacts (friends, co-workers, etc.) who you have seen recently that you are sick and quarantining at home. This is helpful so they understand your situation. But, as you haven’t confirmed COVID-19, they do not need to take any special actions unless you are confirmed to have COVID-19.
SICK with confirmed COVID-19: Yes. The health department will become involved to help here. But, the general rule of “exposure” is anybody you had significant interaction with (greater than 15 minutes within the same room or within 6 feet without masks) 3 days prior to the onset of your symptoms. These people need to be notified so they can quarantine and discuss with their health care provider.
If I’m unvaccinated and sick with COVID-19, how long should I isolate at home? When can I go back to work?
Per CDC guidelines, all sick people with confirmed COVID-19 should isolate (as much as possible) at home until all of the following are true:
What are the signs of severe COVID-19 illness?
The most worrisome symptom of any respiratory infection is shortness of breath. If you labor to breathe at rest (i.e. breathing fast or hard), a visit to the ER is warranted. If you are more winded with activity, you can schedule a phone visit with us to discuss further.
Other signs of severe illness are altered level of consciousness, confusion, chest pain, or inability to walk more than 10-20 feet. You must go to the ER if you have any of these symptoms as well.
How do I manage COVID-19 symptoms?
Whether it is a common viral infection or COVID-19, treatment is mainly supportive-rest, fluids, extra sleep. Other helpful tips include:
For coughing, the most common cause of a cough is post nasal drip so the above tips will certainly help. Other things helpful for cough include:
For sore throat:
What are signs of more serious or bacterial infections?
When are antibiotics warranted?
This can be a difficult thing to determine but most cases or acute sinusitis and all cases of bronchitis are viral and not benefited by antibiotics. If there are concerns, a physical examination or testing, requiring an office visit, is typically needed to determine that.
Are you open for normal clinic visits?
We are available for clinic visits that require an examination, lab work, procedures that aren’t concerning for COVID-19. However, if we can manage your issue remotely (by phone or email) that is preferred for now.
Can I bring my family members, children, or friends to clinic visits?
If at all possible, we prefer to only have the patient and necessary people in the clinic to decrease the amount of possible exposure.
What are your recommendations on reducing the chances of getting COVID-19?
GET VACCINATED AND BOOSTED!!!! In addition, even if feeling well, everyone needs to be practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available, and wearing masks.
Updated 12/2021
Where can I go to get a test?
Always check the local pharmacies and Amazon for the availability of home test kits.
Covid Check Colorado is your best bet for non-home testing: covidcheckcolorado.org/
We have also had good luck with this company: www.testdirectly.com/patient/home
Where can I find information about outpatient treatment, including monoclonal antibodies?
Here is the link for places that provide monoclonal antibodies on an outpatient basis:
https://covid19.colorado.gov/getting-covid-19-treatment
Where can I go to find information about Covid 19 vaccines?
Our clinicians are more than happy to answer your questions or concerns about the vaccines. The WHO (World Health Organization) is also a great reference for up-to-date vaccine education.
Where can I go to get a vaccine?
For the most up to date information on locations in Denver metro, visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine/where-you-can-get-vaccinated
Can you tell if someone has coronavirus vs. other viruses by symptoms alone?
Unfortunately, most of the time, as we have learned COVID-19 infections range from little-to-no symptoms (similar to the common cold or influenza) to more serious illnesses that require hospitalization or even cause death. Also, although fever and respiratory symptoms are the most common symptoms, some people do not get those symptoms at all.
Should I get tested if I’m sick?
If you are not yet vaccinated and have symptoms concerning for COVID-19, including cold or flu like symptoms such as cough, fever, body aches, sore throat, diarrhea, etc. you should be tested for the virus. This is especially true and needed if a person has exposure to another person with COVID-19 or if you are a person that is at higher risk for getting exposed and spreading it to others. If you have been vaccinated and do not have signs of severe illness (see below) you may elect to stay home and rest. A test is not required.
Do I need to quarantine myself if I do not confirm it’s coronavirus? Or my lab results are pending?
If you are unvaccinated, then yes. Even without testing we strongly recommend you quarantine yourself at home (see description below) for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of any concerning symptoms. Even if you are not severely ill or test negative initially, the virus can be present and spread to others. We know this is a major inconvenience but this is truly a matter of life and death for members of our community. If you are vaccinated, you are not required to isolate, but you may consider quarantining away from others who may be immune compromised or not yet vaccinated.
What is meant by quarantine vs isolation?
QUARANTINE: This means you should try not leave your house or property. The goal is to not interact with anybody who is not a member of the household. There are certain “essential” activities that may be required during a quarantine (i.e. getting food, picking up medication, etc). If that is required, it is reasonable to leave the home if masked and you maintain complete social distancing of 6 feet or more. But, it is best to arrange for delivery of such things if possible.
ISOLATION: This means stay at home and avoid as many people as possible, including family members. This can be very challenging if there are multiple people in your household.
If I have confirmed COVID-19, what about my household or family members?
It is very difficult, sometimes impossible, to not spread viruses among a household. But, the best way to prevent spread of germs is isolation from others within a home as much as possible. Family members, especially older or vulnerable people, should use precautions, including not being in the same room, frequent hand-washing, and use of separate bathrooms if possible. If isolation cannot be done, the cycle of infection and spread can last for several weeks within a household. It’s also important to avoid eating meals together if someone is infected.
Do I need to notify others (contacts and exposures)?
Sick but not confirmed COVID-19: It is fine to tell your close contacts (friends, co-workers, etc.) who you have seen recently that you are sick and quarantining at home. This is helpful so they understand your situation. But, as you haven’t confirmed COVID-19, they do not need to take any special actions unless you are confirmed to have COVID-19.
SICK with confirmed COVID-19: Yes. The health department will become involved to help here. But, the general rule of “exposure” is anybody you had significant interaction with (greater than 15 minutes within the same room or within 6 feet without masks) 3 days prior to the onset of your symptoms. These people need to be notified so they can quarantine and discuss with their health care provider.
If I’m unvaccinated and sick with COVID-19, how long should I isolate at home? When can I go back to work?
Per CDC guidelines, all sick people with confirmed COVID-19 should isolate (as much as possible) at home until all of the following are true:
- It has been at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms AND
- You have been without a fever for 24 hours (without any fever reducing medications), AND
- You are generally feeling better with all symptoms.
What are the signs of severe COVID-19 illness?
The most worrisome symptom of any respiratory infection is shortness of breath. If you labor to breathe at rest (i.e. breathing fast or hard), a visit to the ER is warranted. If you are more winded with activity, you can schedule a phone visit with us to discuss further.
Other signs of severe illness are altered level of consciousness, confusion, chest pain, or inability to walk more than 10-20 feet. You must go to the ER if you have any of these symptoms as well.
How do I manage COVID-19 symptoms?
Whether it is a common viral infection or COVID-19, treatment is mainly supportive-rest, fluids, extra sleep. Other helpful tips include:
- Tylenol or ibuprofen: these can be used as needed for aches, pains, or fever.
- Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine or Phenylephrine products can be helpful but these should be avoided if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease.
- Nasal/sinus rinses: These help clear the mucus out which often is the cause of a nagging cough.
For coughing, the most common cause of a cough is post nasal drip so the above tips will certainly help. Other things helpful for cough include:
- Honey: believe it or not, a teaspoon of plain honey can help. You can do this every few hours as needed but do not give to anyone less than 2 years old.
- Dextromethorphan: this is the ingredient in Robitussin and Delsym or any product labeled “DM”
- Tessalon capsules: this is a prescription medication that helps reduce the tickle in the throat and stop the cough. It also is not sedating.
- Promethazine: this also is prescription and is sedating so helps with cough at bed time.
For sore throat:
- Salt water gargles.
- Lidocaine lozenges (i.e. Cepacol)
- Honey
What are signs of more serious or bacterial infections?
- Fever (100.4 or greater) beyond 3 days of onset. Most viral infections will only cause fevers in the first few days, if longer than that, certain viruses (influenza) or bacteria are more suspected.
- Facial or sinus pain that is worsening or not improving after 7-10 days.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
When are antibiotics warranted?
This can be a difficult thing to determine but most cases or acute sinusitis and all cases of bronchitis are viral and not benefited by antibiotics. If there are concerns, a physical examination or testing, requiring an office visit, is typically needed to determine that.
Are you open for normal clinic visits?
We are available for clinic visits that require an examination, lab work, procedures that aren’t concerning for COVID-19. However, if we can manage your issue remotely (by phone or email) that is preferred for now.
Can I bring my family members, children, or friends to clinic visits?
If at all possible, we prefer to only have the patient and necessary people in the clinic to decrease the amount of possible exposure.
What are your recommendations on reducing the chances of getting COVID-19?
GET VACCINATED AND BOOSTED!!!! In addition, even if feeling well, everyone needs to be practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available, and wearing masks.
Updated 12/2021