CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

from the OKC-County Health Department

Prevention and Treatment Efforts to develop a vaccine are currently fast tracked, but currently there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

These are everyday habits which can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC has specific guidance for travelers at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own.

However, you can do some things to relieve your symptoms:

• Take pain and fever medications (Caution: do not give Aspirin to children). • Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough.

If you are mildly sick, you should:

• Drink plenty of liquids

• Stay home and rest If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should call your health care provider immediately.

 People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact a health care provider in advance before arriving to a health care facility to ensure appropriate infection control measures for assessment, testing and treatment. If you suspect you have been exposed, please call us at 405-470-1224.

Meet Your Practitioner:
Jimmy Tisdale, APRN, FNP-C

Jimmy Tisdale is a graduate of the OU Family Nurse Practitioner Program. He focuses on providing prompt, thorough care while educating patients about their conditions and ways to stay healthy using current evidence-based research.

Learn More About Jimmy

Member Organizations