Understandably, there is a great deal of concern in our community about the spread of coronavirus/COVID-19. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
According to the CDC, symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath may appear 2-14 days after exposure. More information can be found at the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS, CALL YOUR DOCTOR
If you’re experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms, the first thing you should do is call your primary care physician immediately. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and determine if COVID-19 testing is required and provide next steps to receive testing.
NOTE: It’s crucial that you call your doctor BEFORE visiting in person or going to an emergency room. This is to avoid spreading the virus or creating unnecessary burden on emergency medical personnel.
Additionally, many hospitals and primary care physicians are offering extended virtual visit hours and telemedicine options. Check with your physician to see what options are available to you.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A DOCTOR
If you don’t have a primary care doctor, you can call the Illinois Department of Public Health’s hotline at 1-800-889-3391 OR call the county health department hotlines that have been established:
Lake County – Good Shepherd and Condell Hospitals COVID-19 24-hour hotline: (866) 443-2584
McHenry County Department of Public Health Hotline: (815) 334-4500
Cook County Department of Public Health: (708) 633-4000 Ext. 3
PRIVATE TESTING OPTIONS COMING SOON
Area hospitals are putting the final touches on their private testing options. I will keep you updated as new information and options become available.
Thank you for doing what you can to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during this crisis. If my office can be of any assistance, email me at dan@senatormcconchie.com or call my office at 224-662-4544. If you do not reach someone live, please know we are helping someone else. Simply leave a message and we will get back to you shortly.
I know this time is stressful. Know that this too will pass. We WILL get through this together.