How Can I Avoid Getting COVID-19?

For the last several months, COVID-19 has been all over the news. Everywhere we turned, we heard something about it.

But with as much coverage as the virus has gotten, do you really have a good understanding of what it is and how you can protect your family? Probably not, if you’re like most Americans. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Cleveland wants to take a few minutes to share some insight.

Is There Still a Risk of Getting COVID-19?

While the number of cases being diagnosed each day has leveled out some in recent weeks, COVID-19 is still a very real and present danger. As of June 1, more than 1.5 million Americans had been diagnosed, including at least 24,000 Tennesseans.

Because there is no single recognized treatment for COVID-19 and no vaccine yet available, it’s still important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family. Knowing the symptoms of the condition is a good place to begin.

Symptoms of COVID-19

  • 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

What Can I Do to Protect My Family?

The best thing you can to is continue to limit the time you’re spending outside your home. While the “stay at home” order has been lifted, it’s still best practice to avoid large gatherings and close contact with others.

The CDC also recommends some other essential protections—stay six feet away from others outside the home, wear a cloth mask when in public if age 2 or older, wash your hands regularly, and disinfect commonly touched surfaces often.

Steps for Proper Handwashing

  • Wet your hands with running water.
  • Lather your hands with soap, including between your fingers and under nails.
  • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  • Rinse your hands under running water.
  • Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry them.

If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, we are offering COVID-19 testing at our urgent care center. Visit the AFC Urgent Care Cleveland website to learn more or to schedule a testing appointment.