COVID-19: What We Know Now

COVID-19: What We Know Now

Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic

We all have been affected by the COVID-19 virus in some way or another by now. The smartest minds in the world are working together to help find a vaccine and hopefully help eliminate the growing number of infections and deaths. With the information gathered by health officials and scientists, we know a great deal more about COVID-19 than we did 7 months ago. One of the most important things that we should all be aware of is that it’s not gone. We need to stay just as vigilant as ever.

What do we know about COVID-19 now?

Symptoms:

We now know that there are a wide range of symptoms, including fever, dry cough, sore throat and loss of taste or smell. These are just a few of the symptoms. Some people may have mild symptoms. Some people might have very severe symptoms leading to serious complications or even death.
Approximately 1 in 5 people becomes very ill from the virus.
Some people can be asymptomatic. This means that the person doesn’t have symptoms and is not showing signs of COVID-19. This does not mean that they are not affected. That is something that the health community is still working out.
Click HERE for information on symptoms of COVID-19.

Transmission:

We know that the virus can spread from droplets that come from someone’s mouth or nose when coughing, talking or sneezing.
People with symptoms and people that are asymptomatic can transmit the virus.
Click HERE for a video on how the virus can be transmitted.

What to do if you think you have the virus:

Isolate yourself from others and get tested.
Chapa-De tests patients for COVID-19. If you are a patient and have symptoms, contact Chapa-De to schedule an appointment.
Or find local testing sites HERE.

What can we continue to do to stay safe & healthy?

Stay home as much as possible and do not gather with people outside your household
When you do go out, stay at least six feet away from others whenever possible
Wear a face covering when you are out in public or when you are near someone from outside your household that you are not quarantining with
Wash your hands often. We know this sounds simple and easy, but many people do not wash their hands often enough
Stay home if you feel sick and contact your medical provider
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and don’t need further medical attention, isolate at home until you have no fever (without taking fever reducing medications) and have improving symptoms for 24-hours AND at least 10-days have passed since symptoms first appeared
If you believe you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or have engaged in a risky activity like gathering with others, you should quarantine at home and self-monitor for symptoms for 14-days before being in contact with others.
Continue to educate yourself and your family. There are still many unknowns when it comes to COVID-19. The best way to stay current on the facts is to visit helpful online resources like those below or talk to your primary care provider.

Remember, there is currently no vaccine for this virus. Current research also suggests that people who have had COVID-19 do not remain immune to a future infection. That is why it is so important to follow the direction of your local and state public health officials.

Where can I find up to date information on COVID-19?

Here are some helpful resources to keep you up to date on COVID-19:

What else do we know?

After 7 months of this pandemic, we know that we need to work together as a community to get through this difficult time. Each of our personal choices will decide if more people will get sick and if our businesses and schools will re-open or remain open. Let’s all work together and continue to be strong, brave and smart about our actions.

Chapa-De is here for you!

PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.

Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.

Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members