I wrote this to give you an understanding of COVID-19 symptoms and what your response should be if you get infected or come in contact with someone who is infected.
Obviously, if you have symptoms you should contact your primary medical doctor for next steps which will all depend on the severity of the symptoms.
“Close Contact” Definition Outline
the definition of coming in close contact with someone who have been infected with COVID-19 has been updated by the CDC.
Source: CDC / UPDATE: 10-21-2020
Previously “Close Contact” Definition: someone who spent 15 minutes or more within six feet of someone who was infected.
Current “Close Contact” Definition: someone who spent an accumulative 15 minutes or more within six feet of someone who was infected over a 24-hour period, even if the time is not consecutive.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever or chills
- Muscle or body aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Recent loss of taste or smell
You may have symptoms and may even think it’s just a common cold but you don’t really know.
If you come in contact with others before you really know through testing for COVID19 you can be exposing others.
For some, testing is not required but they are being asked to stay isolated away from others from 10 to 14 days. Below is a questionnaire I use in my clinic to ensure patients are aware of the requirements to prevent the spread of COVID19
1 Did you have COVID-19 or think you did, and had SYMPTOMS? Yes No
Date when first symptoms appeared: __________
Action: You can return to clinic care after:
- 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
- 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
- Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving*
*Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation
Did you accomplish this action? Yes No
2 Did you test positive for COVID-19 but had NO SYMPTOMS? Yes No
Date of initial positive viral test for COVID-19 ___________
Action: If you continue to have no symptoms, you can return to clinic care after 10 days have passed from the day you had your initial positive viral test for COVID-19.
Did you accomplish this action? Yes No
3 Were you severely ill with COVID-19? Yes No
Action: People who are severely ill with COVID-19 might need to stay home longer than 10 days and up to 20 days after symptoms first appeared. Before continuing treatment here at the clinic, contact your primary healthcare provider for written recommendations on returning for treatment. Please bring a copy of the written recommendations to be added to your medical records when you return.
Did you contact your Primary and do you have written recommendations?
Yes No
4 Do you have a severely weakened immune system due to a pre-existing health condition and were severely ill with covid-19? Yes No
Action: Persons who are severely immuno-compromised may require testing to determine when they can be around others. Before continuing treatment here at the clinic, contact your primary healthcare provider for written recommendations on testing. Please bring a copy of the written recommendations to be added to your medical records when you return.
Did you contact your Primary and do you have written recommendations on testing? Yes No
5 Did you have close contact (*15 minutes or more/within 6 feet/24-hrs) with someone with COVID-19? Yes No
Contact Date: __________
Close Contact – *someone who spent an accumulative 15 minutes or more within six feet of someone who was infected over a 24-hour period, even if the time is not consecutive
Action: You can return to the clinic after 14 days have past since the day of close contact to that person.
Has 14 days past since the day of close contact? Yes No
6 Did you developed COVID-19 illness within the previous 3 months and have recovered and remain without COVID-19 symptoms (for example, cough, shortness of breath) Yes No
You do not need to stay home and can now return to the clinic for treatment.
