IRMC reiterates the CDC recommendation that all individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough or sore throat, should call their doctor first before going to an emergency department, UrgiCare or physician's office.
If you suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow these steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to those in your home and community.
How can I stay healthy?
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus. Take steps to protect yourself and stay healthy:
- Clean your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick.
- Stay home if you aren’t feeling well (except to seek medical care).
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. The following symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure*: fever, cough, shortness of breath.
*This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period for similar viruses.
What do I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care
You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor
If you have a medical appointment, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Monitor your symptoms
Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (for example, difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. You will be asked to put on a face mask. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.
Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate. When working with your local health department check their available hours. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. If possible, put on a face mask before emergency medical services arrive.
Monoclonal Clinic
Monoclonal Antibodies have been approved under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for treatment of COVID-19. This medication is only administered in the outpatient setting, best given as early as possible after diagnosis for those who the medication is appropriate, and the goal is to improve symptoms and prevent hospitalization. IRMC has been administering Monoclonal Antibodies since early 2021.
These infusions will occur in the old Diamond Drug space on the first floor of the IASA building on the IRMC campus. This is a potential lifesaving infusion that IRMC is able to offer to patients in a limited capacity at this time. Please speak with your primary care physician to see if you are eligible for monoclonal antibody treatment.
Resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov.
- Pennsylvania Department of Health: health.pa.gov.
- Pennsylvania Department of Health: 1.877.PA.HEALTH (1.877.724.3258).
- PA Emergency Preparedness Guide.
- Multi-Lingual Resources