What to do if you have COVID-19-like symptoms

As we approach our fifth month dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19, it is apparent that this pandemic isn’t going away anytime soon. While multiple countries including the US are working on a vaccine, Dr. Curtis Cripe believes that people shouldn’t rely on it and should learn how to care for patients with COVID-19 instead. And it all begins with knowing what to do if you have COVID-19-like symptoms.

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The first symptoms of COVID-19 are a high fever, dry cough, and a general feeling of tiredness. If you first exhibit these symptoms, you should self-isolate yourself for a minimum of 14 days before coming into contact with other people or go out of your house. Other less common symptoms include body pains and aches, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste and smell, conjunctivitis, and skin rashes or discoloration in the fingers and toes.

During your self-isolation, you could ask family members to look after you. If this is the case, you should have your own isolated quarters such as your bedroom. Whenever interacting with a caregiver, both parties should be wearing face masks in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Have your clothes and eating apparatuses cleaned and disinfected after every use.

As you self-isolate, you should be mindful of your symptoms and inform your caregiver of any new symptoms that arise. According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, if you experience trouble breathing, inability to stay awake, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, and bluish face or lips, ask that you be taken to the nearest medical facility immediately.

Dr. Curtis Cripe is a neuroengineer with a diverse multidisciplinary background that includes software development, bioengineering, addiction recovery, psychophysiology, psychology, brain injury, and child neurodevelopment. Dr. Curtis Cripe was asked to participate in a White House - NASA committee for TeleHealth/TeleMedicine during the COVID-19. His committee has been asked to spear head long term and on-going TeleHealth and TeleMedicine protocols and procedures that can be followed during the current and future Pandemics as well as TeleMedicine and TeleHealth even after the COVID-19 diminishes. The committee proposals have been accepted and is now moving forward Internationally with UN participation. Visit this website for more reads on COVID-19.