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As the number of visits for evaluation of possible coronavirus increases, I tried to create some standard discharge instructions that can be used as a cut and paste or “dotphrase” for patients that do not require admission. Feel free to modify these instructions in any way you’d like. Please also leave a comment with any additions or suggested changes.
| You have been evaluated in the emergency department and at this point, your evaluation shows that you are stable for discharge. Because of the rapid spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), many people have questions regarding possible coronavirus infections and treatment. Coronavirus is one type of virus. Many strains of coronavirus cause the “common cold.” COVID-19 is a disease caused by a unique strain of coronavirus. Even though most patients will have “common cold” or “flu-like” symptoms with this strain of coronavirus infection, in some cases people will develop more severe symptoms. Symptoms Symptoms of COVID-19 include high fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Some patients with COVID-19 may have predominantly vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms are nonspecific and can also be present in many other diseases including the common cold, influenza, and viral gastroenteritis. There is no set of symptoms specific to COVID-19. Testing Most people with fever or coughing do not require coronavirus testing. Currently, testing supplies are quite limited. If you believe that you may have a coronavirus infection, you can contact your state or local health department to inquire about testing. A list of local and county health departments can be found by doing an online search or by visiting this site: https://www.naccho.org/membership/lhd-directory. Medications Currently, there is no treatment available for coronavirus. Because it is a virus, antibiotics are NOT effective against the disease. Treatment of COVID-19 with antibiotics will not make you better any sooner and may cause you to have unnecessary side effects or to develop resistant bacterial infections (such as clostridium difficile colitis – also known as “C. diff”). In many cases, over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Motrin, or Aleve will help control fevers and body aches. Over the counter cough medications and cough drops can help to soothe coughing. Treatment Regardless of whether you receive testing, if you believe you have coronavirus, the CDC currently recommends that you self-quarantine at home for at least 7 days, until you have had no fever for three days, and until your symptoms are improving. These recommendations may change, so be sure to check the CDC web site frequently. The CDC also advises “social distancing” by avoiding unnecessary contact with others. Frequent handwashing, avoiding sharing personal items with others, cleaning all frequently-touched surfaces with disinfectant, and covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze will all help to limit the spread of any viral illness. The Centers for Disease Control has set up an informational web site to answer questions about COVID-19. That web site is www.cdc.gov/covid19. Follow Up Generally, no follow up is needed for patients with minor symptoms. A vast majority of patients infected with coronavirus have mild symptoms and get better on their own. Contacting your health department for further information about treatment and follow up helps avoid potentially being infected with coronavirus or spreading the disease in an emergency department waiting room. A list of local and county health departments can be found by doing an online search or by visiting this site: https://www.naccho.org/membership/lhd-directory. CDC guidelines also recommend that employers “actively encourage sick employees to stay home” and “do not require a healthcare provider’s note” to validate employee illness or to permit employees to return to work. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html If your symptoms worsen, if you have new or concerning symptoms, or if any problems occur, you are always welcome to return to the emergency department at any time for further evaluation. |