What You Should Know About COVID-19

Led by board-certified internist and emergency medicine expert Dr. Nabil Salib, the specialty team at MyDoc Urgent Care is committed to providing the highest quality medical care available to residents of all ages in and around the New York communities of Forest Hills and East Meadow. Here at MyDoc, we offer comprehensive testing and treatment for allergies, asthma, sports injuries, and other non life-threatening medical needs. Our patient-focused services also include routine care such as school, DOT, and annual wellness exams. As part of our ongoing commitment to your health, we’re happy to provide the latest medical information and guidance available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding COVID-19.

Understanding the effects of COVID-19

For most people, COVID-19 causes a mild respiratory illness. For a lucky few, the symptoms may be so minor they don’t even realize they’ve contracted the virus. However, COVID-19 can cause severe and even life-threatening illness for certain segments of our population, including older adults and those of any age who have pre-existing medical conditions, including:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• History of solid organ transplant
• Pregnancy
• Liver disease

According to recent data published by the CDC in December 2020, persons with Down syndrome are also at increased risk of developing severe illness with COVID-19.

Protecting yourself and your family

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory virus, but you can take practical steps to help decrease your risk of contracting or spreading the illness until vaccines are widely available. These simple CDC guidelines include:

• Wearing a mask when appropriate that covers your nose and mouth
• Avoiding crowds
• Maintaining six feet of distance between yourself and others in public spaces
• Avoiding poorly ventilated indoor spaces

We also recommend you stay home when you’re sick and call your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Note that COVID-19 symptoms may worsen dramatically several days into the illness and in that case are considered an emergency. In general, we recommend you call 911 or seek immediate medical care for:

• Worsening shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Mental confusion
• Lethargy or difficulty awakening

COVID-19 testing

As part of our commitment to our New York communities, we offer antibody testing for COVID-19 at our MyDoc facilities. Please call the office for further details about this service. For top-level medical care that’s delivered in a family-friendly environment, call to schedule a visit, request an appointment online, or drop by MyDoc Urgent Care today. We’re here to help!