What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- High temperature – your chest will feel hot to the touch.
- Persistent dry cough – coughing repeatedly for more than 60 minutes at a time, or three or more coughing bouts in 24 hours. If you already have a cough unrelated to COVID-19, the virus may make it worse.
- Sore throat.
- Nasal congestion.
- Runny nose.
- Diarrhea.
- Aches and pains.
- Some people also report difficulty breathing or losing their sense of smell and/or taste.
Symptoms may take up to 14 days to show after infection – presently the longest known incubation period for COVID-19.
You can be infected with COVID-19 but not realize it because the symptoms are similar to those of a cold or flu, or you may show no symptoms.
You can use an online coronavirus self-assessment tool to help evaluate your symptoms and determine whether you're a candidate for a COVID-19 test.
Am I at Increased Risk from COVID-19?
About 80 percent of people who catch coronavirus experience a mild case – like a regular cold – and recover without needing specialized treatment.
Others may become seriously ill, especially older adults and people with underlying medical issues or a weakened immune system.
As a respiratory illness, COVID-19 can result in pneumonia – and your lungs become more vulnerable as you get older. Other potential complications from coronavirus among older people include failure of other vital organs, including the heart.
The risk of a serious health threat from COVID-19 is heightened by underlying health issues such as:
- Heart disease.
- Kidney problems.
- Diabetes.
- Cancer.
- Lung conditions, such as bronchitis and asthma.
- Liver disease, such as hepatitis.
- Parkinson's disease.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS).
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
- AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
How to Protect Yourself and Others During the COVID-19 Crisis
COVID-19 appears to spread chiefly among people in close contact – through respiratory droplets produced when an individual talks, coughs, or sneezes.
While we wait for a vaccine to be developed to control coronavirus, it’s crucial to take certain basic measures to help protect yourself and the people around you from the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say you should:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer.
- Not touch your face with unwashed hands.
- Stay home as much as possible.
- If you have to go out, wear a mask, and keep a safe distance from others.
- Wear a cloth face cover when around others to protect yourself and others.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
Our New Safety Protocol regarding COVID-19
Our highest priority is to keep our patients and staff as safe as possible. We are working hard to implement new safety protocols and check-in process before we are allowed to re-open our practice.
In order to protect our staff and our patients, we have implemented the following steps:
- We have high-efficiency Surgical Air Cleaner in our treatment area.
- We will install a counter shield at the front office.
- We will implement new guidelines for personal protective equipment for all our dental procedures. All our staff in the operatories will be wearing disposable surgical gowns, face shields, and grade 3 masks. Our patients will be provided a disposable apron and goggles.
- We will continue our meticulous sterilization of all instruments to infection control protocol and wiping down all areas, and extensive hand-washing protocols for all staff members.
- We are also limiting the number of patients per day and giving more time per appointment. Patients will remain in their vehicles until the scheduled appointment time. All patients will be screened before their appointments and will be asked to wear a mask, have their temperatures taken, and use a hand sanitizer when they arrive. Please see “What to Expect When Arriving for Your Appointment”.
We want to thank you all for your understanding in advance. We will try our very best to provide the safest and most comfortable environment for our dental family - our patients and staff.
For the most up-to-date information on possible vaccines, treatments, FAQs, news, and more, please visit the following official health organizations:
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