FAQs on 2019 Novel Coronavirus

UPDATE:

Free testing site locations for COVID-19 testing

Mobile Unit Locations for [5/17 – 5/21]
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Playground
  (Rapid antigen testing available)
  757 Dumont Avenue
  Brooklyn, NY 11207
  Dates: May 17 - 23, 2021
  Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  Testing site is currently only testing people 4 years and older
• New Hope Family Worship Center
  (Rapid antigen testing available)
  817 Livonia Avenue
  Brooklyn, NY 11207
  Dates: May 17 - 23, 2021
  Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  Testing site is currently only testing people 4 years and older.

Note: Availability is subject to change due to inclement weather.

Self-Testing Sites

• New Hope Church
  817 Livonia Avenue,
  Brooklyn, NY 11207
  Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Dates: May 18, 2021
  4 years old and above

Rapid Testing Sites

• NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, East New York
  2094 Pitkin Avenue
  Brooklyn, New York 11207
  phone # 844-NYC-4NYC
  COVID-19 Testing and Antibody Testing Offered Here
  Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  Pre-register for your visit

Patients may be asked for ID and for an insurance card, however, neither is required to get tested. Patients will not be asked about immigration status. To find other COVID-19 testing sites, visit nyc.gov/covidtest or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).

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What is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from mild diseases, such as a common cold, to more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness (causing trouble breathing), that is a recently identified type and can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets.

There has been a widespread community transmission in NYC. However, as of June 2020, the number of cases appear to be trending down. 

Click here for the current COVID-19 data.

What are the symptoms?

Most commonly reported symptoms include fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Additional symptoms per CDC include chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pains, headache, sore throat, and new loss of smell or taste.

Majority of patients will have mild to moderate symptoms and make a complete recovery.

How long does it take to show symptoms?

Time between exposure to COVID-19 and the moment when symptoms start is commonly around 5-6 days, but this can range from 1-14 days.

How does it spread?

Transmission through respiratory droplets spread through coughing or sneezing in an infected person during prolonged close contact (within 6 feet). It is possible to become infected if touching contaminated surface with virus and touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

How long can the virus survive on surfaces?

Studies have shown that the coronavirus can survive for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, less than 4 hours on copper, and less than 24 hours on cardboard.

Common household disinfectants are effective to clean affected surfaces.

Should I wear a face covering?

• People who are sick, coughing or sneezing, should wear a mask to protect others.
• NYC DOH recommends all New Yorkers to wear a face covering (mask, bandana, scarf) to cover your nose and mouth while outside to prevent spread of coronavirus in addition to social distancing (6 feet).
• Please do not hoard medical grade masks such as N95 respirators or surgical masks.
• For cloth masks, it is recommended that you wash these daily; For paper masks, only one-time use is recommended.
• While wearing a mask, avoid touching the outside surface of your mask; if you do, remember to wash your hands.

Should I get tested?

     Get tested...

• ... if you are having symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, new loss of smell or taste, 
• ... if you had close contact with someone who is confirmed with COVID-19 infection. Close contact means within 6 feet from the person for at least 15 minutes.
• ... if you had taken part in activities that put you at higher risk for COVID-19 because you cannot socially distance as needed, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded indoor settings.

If you are unsure, make an appointment and our healthcare providers will assist you.

Click here for a more detailed guidance from CDC regarding COVID-19 testing. 

What are the ways to prevent spread?

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or sleeve. Avoid using your hands.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with others such as kissing or shaking hands.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Social distancing – avoid unnecessary gatherings and events, work from home if possible or stagger work hours, avoid crowded public transit.
• Avoid visiting family or friends who are older adults or have chronic conditions, if you feel sick.
• Avoid all non-essential travel.
• Avoid cruise travel.
• Leave home only to seek medical care or for necessities such as getting groceries or going to pharmacy.

What is the treatment?

There are no vaccines or specific treatments available for COVID-19 yet and medical care is supportive. Majority of COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms make full recovery without complications.

Who are at greatest risk?

Older adults > 50 and those with chronic health conditions or immunocompromised are at greatest risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Chronic conditions include chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

What to do if you experience symptoms?

• If you are sick with mild to moderate symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat), STAY HOME. Stay hydrated, rest, use fever-reducing drugs such as Tylenol. If you do not feel better in 3 to 4 days, CALL us first.
• If you are having severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or chest pressure, new confusion, bluish lips, or face, call 911 immediately.
• If you are advised to see your doctor, wear a face mask if available to limit exposure to others.

What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

• There is much that we do not know about COVID-19, including how long the virus stays in our system and whether you can become infected again. Thus, continue precautions even after you recover.
• If you had or may have had COVID-19, avoid leaving the house except for essential needs until all the following are true:
  • It has been 10 days since the onset of symptoms.
  • No fever for the last 3 days without taking fever-reducing drugs.
  • Overall illness has improved.

How is City Care Family Practice doing to keep us safe?

We are now offering TELEVISIT for patients to help with initial screening for those with illness and to help provide guidance.

Mental health and stress during the pandemic

• This outbreak may be causing you anxiety and stress.
• Please be cautious but do not panic.
• Tips to improve your mindset:
  • Instead of "I don't want to be stuck at home!", think "I am safe in my home and I can spend time with my family or have more time for myself."
  • Instead of "I am going to get sick!" think "I will do my best to prevent getting sick and prevent spread to others around me."
  • Instead of "Everything is shutting down! I will run out of everything!" think "I know that the most essential places are open, such as medical centers, pharmacies, groceries..."
  • Instead of "I don't like all of this uncertainty right now!" think " I can't control the situation right now, but I can control my actions. I can meditate, do yoga, call loved ones, get enough sleep, etc..."

What is COVID-19 Antibody testing?

COVID-19 antibody test is a blood test that provides detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-Cov-2. After an individual gets infection, the virus stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies.

Who is eligible to test?

To find out if you are eligible, make an appointment with a healthcare provider for discussion. If you fit the criteria, we will guide you on the next steps.

What do the results mean?

Results return as positive or negative. There are no titers. Positive results suggest past infection from COVID-19, however, as of now, no study has evaluated whether the presence of the antibodies confers immunity to re-infection. Positive results may also be due to cross-reactivity from past or present infection with other coronavirus strains such as those that cause the common cold.

Negative results do not rule out COVID-19 infection, particularly n those who have been in contact with the virus.

If I test positive for the COVID-19 antibodies, do I need to stay at home or wear masks?

Yes, continue to follow the guidelines set by local, state, and federal governments. Continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS)

PMIS is a new health condition appearing in children possibly due to COVID-19, however, the connection is still not clear. It appears to present similarly to other serious inflammatory conditions such as Kawasaki disease in children that may affect the heart and other organs.

It is rare but serious, so it is important for parents to watch out for the following symptoms:

• Persistent fever (100.4°F or 38.0°C or greater) lasting several days (4 or more days) along with other symptoms that may include:
  • Irritability, lethargy
  • Unexplained abdominal pain
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Rash
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Enlarged lymph nodes of the neck
  • Red, cracked lips or "strawberry red tongue"
  • Swollen hands and feet

When should I call the doctor or go to ER?

• Call us immediately if your child becomes ill with persistent fever.
• If child is severely ill, go to ER or call 911.

How do I prevent my child from getting PMIS?

• Although it is not clear at this time whether this condition is related to COVID-19, following COVID-19 prevention measures is the best way at this time (i.e. face coverings, hand hygiene, social distancing).

Advisory for Travelers

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has issued updated guidelines for travelers to New York from other states. 

Click here for the updated advisory:  https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory 

City Care Family Practice will be closely following the recommendations set by New York State. Travelers arriving to New York will be offered TeleVisit (video chat) appointments to address medical concerns.

(Source: NYS DOH)

updated 04/16/2021