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@ Dec 31
Coronavirus Old Town Alexandria: What To Do If You Have Symptoms
If you're worried that you have COVID-19, here are recommendations from experts on what to do.
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRA, VA – Not everyone needs to get tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by the Coronavirus. A vast majority of people will exhibit mild symptoms — such as fever, fatigue, and dry cough — and can recover at home. If you're worried that you have COVID-19, here are recommendations from experts on what to do:
1. Stay Home And Contact A Health Care Provider
Got symptoms? Stay home. If you are concerned you may have COVID-19, call your primary care physician to ask whether you should come for an exam or test before visiting in person, the Alexandria Health Department says.
If you do not have a primary care physician, there are a number of resources you can take advantage of.
- Alexandria Immediate Care
- Alexandria VA Medical Walk-in Clinic & Urgent Care
- Blue Nile Medical Center
- Inova Alexandria Hospital
- MedStar Health Urgent Care
If you need further information, please call the COVID-19 Information Line at 703.746.4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, if you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and tell the operator that you may have COVID-19. If possible, put on a face mask before help arrives.
2. Follow The Health Care Provider's Guidance
Listen to what your health care provider tells you. According to the Alexandria Health Department, most people who get COVID-19 recover on their own at home and do not need testing or treatment. Anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness should isolate themselves; avoid contact with other people; wash their hands frequently; and disinfect surfaces regularly. It is important to note that the Alexandria Health Department does not provide COVID-19 diagnosis or testing.
Continue to monitor your symptoms and keep in touch with your doctor.
3. Get Tested If Needed
Testing information can be found by calling your primary care physician. But test kits may be in short supply. That means you may not get tested immediately. But keep calm and continue to wash your hands, sanitize frequently touched surfaces, and stay away from others.
4. Sign Up For Health Insurance
As the coronavirus pandemic intensifies, some people are eligible to enroll for health insurance outside of the typical enrollment periods. Special enrollment periods (SEP) are available for people who may have recently lost their employer-sponsored health insurance coverage or certain other qualifying life events. You can apply for the SEP within 60 days before you know your coverage will end and within 60 days from the date you lost coverage. To learn more, visit Health.Care.gov.