**To register for your own personal copy of Dr. Lakin’s COVID-19 Newsletters>>>>>> CLICK HERE

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COVID-19>>>>>>  CLICK HERE

 

Dr. Lakin’s Weekly COVID-19 Newsletters:

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 1/17/2021>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 1/10/2021>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 1/3/2021>>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 12/27/2020>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 12/20/2020>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 12/13/2020>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 12/6/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 11/29/2020>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 11/22/2020>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 11/15/2020>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 11/8/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 11/1/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 10/25/2020>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 10/18/2020>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 10/11/2020>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 10/4/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 9/27/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 9/20/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 9/13/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 9/6/2020>>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 8/30/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 8/23/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 8/16/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 8/9/2020>>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 8/2/2020>>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 7/26/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 7/19/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 7/12/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 7/5/2020>>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 6/28/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 6/21/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 6/14/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 6/7/2020>>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 5/31/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 5/24/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 5/17/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 5/10/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

 

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 5/3/2020>>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 4/26/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 4/19/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 4/12/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 4/5/2020>>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 3/29/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 3/22/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Newsletter Update 3/15/2020>>>>>>> CLICK HERE

 

 

**This is the information we have at this time.
Please do not inundate the office with inquiries….We will forward more information as we learn of it.

Arizona is opening COVID-19 vaccination to anyone 65 years of age or older, effective Tuesday, after federal recommendations that states expand the eligibility pool.

The pool of eligible people was expanded in hopes of speeding up what has been a slow rollout nationwide.

As a result, an estimated 750,000 more Arizonans will be prioritized for the vaccine, in addition to those 75 and older who are already prioritized, according to the state. 

Vaccinating older individuals earlier in the process is meant to target those most at risk for hospitalization and death because of COVID-19 and reduce stress on hospitals statewide.

Individuals ages 65 and older will be able to register for vaccine appointments starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in counties that are in prioritized Phase 1B of the vaccination process. 

SEE THE LINK BELOW!

For more information and to register:

https://podvaccine.azdhs.gov/

https://www.maricopa.gov/5659/COVID-10-vaccine-locations

https://doctordoug.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/patient-portal-user-guide.pdf

Who Can Be Vaccinated in Phase 1B (Priority)

Eligible populations in Phase 1B prioritized are: 

• K-12 school staff and childcare workers 
• Law Enforcement/Protective Services* 
• Adults age 75 and starting Tuesday, January 19th, 65 yrs and older 

*This includes all sworn officers and government-employed security officers.

NOTE: Adults living in congregate settings and other essential workers (to be determined) will be prioritized for vaccination in Phase 1B after these groups.  

Why Appointments Will Be Limited Initially

The first appointments for Phase 1B individuals will be available at POD sites that are not already fully-booked for second doses to individuals from Phase 1A, started on Monday, January 11th.  

More appointments will become available when:  

• More vaccine doses are available  
• Other POD sites complete their second-dose appointments so that additional appointments can be opened to Phase 1B individuals  

As operations are ramped up to support Phase 1B vaccination efforts, we anticipate more options for vaccination outside of POD sites will be available to prioritized groups soon. This may include vaccinations at pharmacies for those age 75 and starting Tuesday, January 19th, 65 yrs and older and employer-based vaccination events through private vendors. Public Health is working closely with state and local partners to facilitate agreements that will allow vaccine to be allocated for these types of distribution efforts. More information will be released as it becomes available. 

How You Can Make an Appointment

Anyone eligible in Phase 1B prioritized groups can begin to schedule appointments or further out as the registration system allows.   

Individuals will be asked a few questions to determine their eligibility on the registration site. There will be no separate prescreen form to fill out. Additional information about this sign-up process will be shared on this page in the coming days, so check back for more information. 

For those in the Phase 1B prioritized groups of law enforcement/protective services or who work in education, please first check with your employer before making an appointment using this system. They may have more information on other vaccine distribution plans for you based on your employment. 

I DON’T HAVE COVID AND I DON’T WANT TO GET COVID. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

THIS IS CHECKLIST FOR THOSE OVER 50 (THIS LIST APPLIES TO THE YOUNGER SET BUT THE LEVEL OF CONCERN IS MUCH LESS):

1. DISTANCING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU DO TO AVOID COVID
2. WEAR A MASK
3. WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY, USE HAND SANITIZER FREQUENTLY
4. WHENEVER AN INTERACTION CAN BE OUTSIDE IT IS FAR SUPERIOR TO INSIDE.   TRY TO DO MORE OUTSIDE INTERACTIONS AND LESS INSIDE INTERACTIONS
5. REDUCE EXPOSURES
6. UNDERSTAND RISK BEHAVIORS AND REDUCE THEM
7. KNOW YOUR RISK LEVEL
8. GET TESTED IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE COVID OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED
9. BE PREPARED IF YOU WERE TO GET COVID.       
   1. HAVE A COVID KIT AND UNDERSTANDING OF TREATMENT APPROACHES FOR HOME CARE DURING COVID

DISTANCING:

• 6+ FEET IS DESIRABLE.
• OUTDOORS IS DESIRABLE
• HUGGING GRANDCHILDREN BRIEFLY IS ACCEPTABLE.  OTHERWISE, MAINTAIN DISTANCING
• HUGGING CHILDREN BRIEFLY IS ACCEPTABLE.  OTHERWISE, MAINTAIN DISTANCING

MASKS:

IN ORDER OF RELIABILITY AND HELPFULNESS

• THICK CLOTH MASK
• SURGICAL MASK
• N-95 VERTICAL DUCKBILL MASK
• N-95 ROUND MASK

NOT ACCEPTABLE (THESE ARE NOT PROTECTIVE):

• THIN CLOTH MASKS OR GATERS
• MASKS WITH VALVES

EXPOSURE RISKS:

COVID RISK GRAPHIC FROM THE STATE OF ARIZONA

The website below provides information and understanding of behaviors and risks:

https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

KNOW YOUR RISK LEVEL:

High risk groups include:

·        Age 75 or over

·        Obesity (BMI 40 or above)

·        Lung disease (emphysema/COPD) or current significant smokers

·        Chronic kidney disease (Stage 4 disease or greater)

·        Diabetes…. not well controlled (glycohemoglobin 8.0 or above)

·        Congestive Heart Failure (for which you take medication)

·        On immune suppressing medications for cancer or rheumatological/inflammatory conditions

Medium Risk groups may want to be more cautious but can increase activities. These include:

·         Men Age 65 to 75

·         Hypertension

·         Diabetes…well controlled

·         Asthma

·         Obesity (BMI 35 or above)

COVID-19 Testing Sites

COVID-19 Testing Information

ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS FOR COVID TESTING OTHER THAN OUR OFFICE:

Arcpoint Labs

https://www.arcpointlabs.com/scottsdale-north

CVS Health

https://cvshealth.com/covid-19/testing-locations

Walgreens

https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing

Aveon Health

http://aveonhealth.com/sick-visit/

Honor Healthcare

https://www.honorhealth.com/coronavirus-covid-19/testing

Mesa Community College System:

https://embrywomenshealth.com/testing-blitz/

Arizona COVID-19 hotline at 844-542-8201 for more information about testing options and availability in your area.

At Home test kits:

 $109 kit:  https://www.everlywell.com/products/covid-19-test

$119 kit:   https://www.letsgetchecked.com/us/en/home-coronavirus-test

Zero Dollars…may be covered by insurance or by US Govt.:

https://www.pixel.labcorp.com/at-home-test-kits/covid-19-test

COVID HOME KIT:

1. DIGITAL ORAL THERMOMETER:    TO MONITOR FEVER.

 MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

2. PULSE OXIMETER:   TO CHECK OXYGEN LEVELS. 

MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

OTHER ITEMS FROM THE HOME MEDICAL KIT (SEE BELOW FOR USE OF PRODUCTS):

• TYLENOL/ADVIL/ OR ALEVE (ADVIL AND ALEVE ARE SAFE IN COVID)
• Sudafed 30mg tablets
• Chlorpheniramine 4mg tablets
• Robitussin DM syrup
• Imodium AD

CARING FOR YOURSELF IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE COVID OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID:

1. Check your temperature twice daily and keep a log.  No temperature is dangerous…adults do not have to worry about this.  This is just about monitoring your condition.  If you have concerns, be in touch.

2. Check oxygen level twice daily and keep a log.  A declining oxygen level can indicate early de-compensation from COVID.   Normal oxygen saturation is 97-100%.    If lower than that it may be normal for you, but the trend is what matters.   If you are declining into the low 90’s, if you are feeling particularly short of breath…then it is time to check checked at the Emergency Room (which is safe to do!)    If you have concerns…be in touch.

3. Manage symptoms just like any other viral infection (see below)

Most Common Symptoms

They consist of the same set of symptoms as the common cold/rival respiratory syndrome, but they are worse.

Common/Hallmark symptoms:

·        High fever (over 100.4, but can range from 99’s to 104+)

·        Fatigue

·        Cough

Other symptoms can include milder issues:

·        Loss of Smell and/or Taste

·        Nausea without Vomiting

·        Sore Throat

·        Aching muscles throughout the body

·        Headache

·        Occasional diarrhea …

·        Nasal congestion (occasional)

TREATMENT:

Symptomatic treatment for the most bothersome symptoms

• Plan to:
  Monitor temperature twice daily and record.  
• Monitor oxygen levels twice daily and record.  If dropping significantly you should be in touch.

Aches and Pains and Fever:

·        Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day is preferred for treating these symptoms, but if not working well, you may use:

·         Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets…1 – 2 x per day,

·        Drink good amounts of clear liquids (anything you can see through)

Sore Throat:

·         Saltwater gargling

1.    Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.

2.    Gargle for 15 seconds and spit.

3.    Repeat during the day every 2 – 4 hours to relieve pain.

·         Pain relief medications: Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets…1 – 2 x per day, or Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day.

Cough:

·        Steam: Either in the form of a hot, steamy shower or using a hot pot of water and covering with a towel and put your head under the towel. Both methods will provide humid air to the irritated air passages and soothe the cough.

·        Cough Syrup: Robitussin DM or Delsym cough syrup can be used to suppress cough.

·        You may require a prescription cough syrup with Codeine.  Contact me if that is the case.

Sinus Congestion and Drainage (RARE SYMPTOM):

·        Use a decongestant such as Sudafed 30mg, 1 – 2 pills up to four times per day, or use a drying antihistamine such as Chlortrimeton 4mg, up to four times per day. Other cold medications (over the counter) can be used.

·         Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra will not work for congestion symptoms from an infection. Do Not Use.

Nausea Treatment:

This is the most difficult issue to treat at home as there is very little one can do to settle the stomach. Coca-Cola with the carbonation eliminated (Flat Coke), Ginger Ale, or Ginger Root…. can be tried, but these are often inadequate, and the key to getting the stomach to settle is getting a good nausea medication.

If nausea is persistent, then calling for a prescription medication is often a good idea. Phenergan (Promethazine), Compazine (prochlorperazine), Zofran (Ondansetron) are very effective in treatment.  Sometimes we use them in combination either as a pill or a suppository.

The KEYS are:

1.   Settling the Stomach…so that liquids can be taken

2.   Focusing on Liquids…so that dehydration does not set in

3.   Eating light foods… if possible (to provide energy for healing). This is not a requirement for healing from an acute GI illness; so, do not feel that the sick person needs to eat food. The only requirement is liquid intake!

When to Seek Medical Assistance

•          There is no medication to treat this virus, so the resolution takes time.

Worsening symptoms/Signs of Complications:

•          If you are getting significantly short of breath please be in touch.  If progressive and worsening, you need to be seen and possibly hospitalized.  Best to go the ER if shortness of breath is a significant symptom

How Long to Recover

•          The COVID is a viral infection that will generally take from 3–7 days to develop, 3-7 days to improve and then from 3-7 days to completely resolve.

I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID…… NOW WHAT DO I DO?????

THIS IS CHECKLIST FOR THOSE OVER 50 (THIS LIST APPLIES TO THE YOUNGER SET BUT THE LEVEL OF CONCERN IS MUCH LESS):

1. UNDERSTAND THE TIME COURSE OF COVID
2. QUARANTINE FOR 14 DAYS FROM FIRST SYMPTOMS (IF THIS IS CLEAR) OR FROM THE DATE OF YOUR POSITIVE TEST
3. MONITOR YOURSELF TWICE DAILY…TEMPERATURE AND OXYGEN LEVELS
4. HYDRATE WELL, EAT IF YOU CAN
5. TREAT SYMPTOMS AS REQUIRED
6. KNOW THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT SYMPTOM IS TO WATCH FOR TRUE SHORTNESS OF BREATH.   IF THAT DEVELOPS, GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM
7. CONCERNS….BE IN TOUCH DURING YOUR ILLNESS AND PROVIDE US UPDATES ON FEVER AND OXYGEN LEVELS
8. NO TESTING IS REQUIRED AFTER YOUR ILLNESS, ALTHOUGH YOU CAN HAVE A BLOOD TEST FOR ANTIBODIES AFTER 21 DAYS WHEN YOU ARE FREE

TIME COURSE/EXPECTATIONS:

COVID COURSE:

THREE PHASES OF COVID:

• JAILBIRD 1-10 DAYS
• PAROLE BIRD 11-17 DAYS
• FREE BIRD 17+DAYS

JAILBIRD:   STRICT QUARANTINE……   10 DAYS FROM DATE OF FIRST SIGNIFICANT SYMPTOMS IF OBVIOUS OR FROM DATE OF TESTING IF UNCERTAIN BASED ON SYMPTOMS (MUST ALSO BE FEVER FREE FOR 3 DAYS AS WELL)

PAROLE BIRD:  DAY 11-17…. VERY CAREFUL WITH ALL ATTENTION TO MASKING, DISTANCING, HAND CLEANSING: NEXT 7 DAYS AFTER QUARANTINE

FREE BIRD: DAY 17 AND BEYOND….. NO RESTRICTIONS.

Although I do not recommend testing to prove the virus has cleared after infection, if you have testing and are clear, then the above protocol is not applied.

CARING FOR YOURSELF IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE COVID OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID:

Most Common Symptoms

They consist of the same set of symptoms as the common cold/rival respiratory syndrome, but they are worse.

PAROLE BIRD:   DAY 15-21…. VERY CAREFUL WITH ALL ATTENTION TO MASKING, DISTANCING, HAND CLEANSING:  NEXT  7 DAYS AFTER QUARANTINE

FREE BIRD:  DAY 21 AND BEYOND.  NO RESTRICTIONS.

Although I do not recommend testing to prove the virus has cleared after infection, if you have testing and are clear, then the above protocol is not applied.

QUARANTINING:

• Do not share a bathroom with housemates if possible. Use your own bathroom.
• Do not share utensils with others and clean your own utensils and/or use paper/disposable eating materials if possible.
• Wait 1 day to wash the clothing you wear. Clothing can be washed after sitting out for 24 hours (virus is not transmissible at that point via clothing).   Others can wash your clothes using this approach.  Leaving clothes out in a garage in the heat of summer is a good idea if available to you.
• Repeatedly cleanse surfaces in areas that you frequent….at least three times per day.
• Avoid sharing living spaces with housemates, to the extent your living situations allows.
• Wear a mask & gloves when in the presence of others. Wear when you are with others as much as possible.
• Wash your hands frequently.  Use cleanser on surfaces frequently.
• Shower/bathe twice daily if possible.
• All household contacts should self-quarantine as well with only minimal outside interaction.

COVID HOME KIT:

1. DIGITAL ORAL THERMOMETER:    TO MONITOR FEVER.

 MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

2 PULSE OXIMETER:   TO CHECK OXYGEN LEVELS. 

MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

OTHER ITEMS FROM THE HOME MEDICAL KIT (SEE BELOW FOR USE OF PRODUCTS):

• TYLENOL/ADVIL/ OR ALEVE (ADVIL AND ALEVE ARE SAFE IN COVID)
• Sudafed 30mg tablets
• Chlorpheniramine 4mg tablets
• Robitussin DM syrup
• Imodium AD

HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO PREVENT OR TREAT COVID AT THIS TIME.   THE DATA DOES NOT SUPPORT Its USE.

CARING FOR YOURSELF IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE COVID OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID:

1. Check your temperature twice daily and keep a log.  No temperature is dangerous…adults do not have to worry about this.  This is just about monitoring your condition.  If you have concerns, be in touch.

2. Check oxygen level twice daily and keep a log.  A declining oxygen level can indicate early de-compensation from COVID.   Normal oxygen saturation is 97-100%.    If lower than that it may be normal for you, but the trend is what matters.   If you are declining into the low 90’s, if you are feeling particularly short of breath…then it is time to check checked at the Emergency Room (which is safe to do!)    If you have concerns…be in touch.

3. Manage symptoms just like any other viral infection (see below)

Most Common Symptoms

They consist of the same set of symptoms as the common cold/rival respiratory syndrome, but they are worse.

Common/Hallmark symptoms:

·        High fever (over 100.4, but can range from 99’s to 104+)

·        Fatigue

·        Cough

Other symptoms can include milder issues:

·        Loss of Smell and/or Taste

·        Nausea without Vomiting

·        Sore Throat

·        Aching muscles throughout the body

·        Headache

·        Occasional diarrhea …

·        Nasal congestion (occasional)

TREATMENT:

Symptomatic treatment for the most bothersome symptoms

• Plan to:
  Monitor temperature twice daily and record.  
• Monitor oxygen levels twice daily and record.  If dropping significantly you should be in touch.

Aches and Pains and Fever:

·        Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day is preferred for treating these symptoms, but if not working well, you may use:

·         Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets…1 – 2 x per day,

·        Drink good amounts of clear liquids (anything you can see through)

Sore Throat:

·         Saltwater gargling

1.    Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.

2.    Gargle for 15 seconds and spit.

3.    Repeat during the day every 2 – 4 hours to relieve pain.

·         Pain relief medications: Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets…1 – 2 x per day, or Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day.

DIET RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREVENT DEHYDRATION IN ILLNESS:

Preventing dehydration is of utmost importance in an acute illness.

Clear liquids (any liquid that light can easily shine through) are the best liquids to use. 

These include:

• Plain Water
• Gatorade (or other electrolyte solutions that are similar)….do not use sugar-free versions of these drinks as the calories in these drinks are helpful is treating the illness and may be the only calories the person can absorb for the first hours or days
• Tea
• Cranberry Juice, Apple Juice (watered down…mixed ½ & ½ with water), White Grape Juice
• Broth from Chicken Soup, Matzo Ball Soup, Bullion
• Popsicles

Sipping liquids …sip, sip, sip….and pushing the fluids progressively with time is the most important treatment provided.  Focus on this above all else!

Foods:  Maintaining good dietary intake is important during the acute phase of illness, so long as appetite is present.  Do not push foods if uninterested…focus on liquids.  That said, if appetite remains acceptable, food can consist of anything that interests your appetite and is tolerable.  Healthier choices are best, but if you want a hamburger…go ahead!  Easy to digest foods include:

• Toast (plain white bread)
• Crackers (Saltines)
• Plain Noodles
• Breakfast cereals
• Bananas, Citrus fruits
• Apple Sauce
• Cooked chicken and meats
• Macaroni (with or without cheese)
• Plain Rice

Cough:

·        Steam: Either in the form of a hot, steamy shower or using a hot pot of water and covering with a towel and put your head under the towel. Both methods will provide humid air to the irritated air passages and soothe the cough.

·        Cough Syrup: Robitussin DM or Delsym cough syrup can be used to suppress cough.

·        You may require a prescription cough syrup with Codeine.  Contact me if that is the case.

Sinus Congestion and Drainage (RARE SYMPTOM):

·        Use a decongestant such as Sudafed 30mg, 1 – 2 pills up to four times per day, or use a drying antihistamine such as Chlortrimeton 4mg, up to four times per day. Other cold medications (over the counter) can be used.

·         Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra will not work for congestion symptoms from an infection. Do Not Use.

Nausea Treatment:

This is the most difficult issue to treat at home as there is very little one can do to settle the stomach. Coca-Cola with the carbonation eliminated (Flat Coke), Ginger Ale, or Ginger Root…. can be tried, but these are often inadequate, and the key to getting the stomach to settle is getting a good nausea medication.

If nausea is persistent, then calling for a prescription medication is often a good idea. Phenergan (Promethazine), Compazine (prochlorperazine), Zofran (Ondansetron) are very effective in treatment.  Sometimes we use them in combination either as a pill or a suppository.

The KEYS are:

1.   Settling the Stomach…so that liquids can be taken

2.   Focusing on Liquids…so that dehydration does not set in

3.   Eating light foods… if possible (to provide energy for healing). This is not a requirement for healing from an acute GI illness; so, do not feel that the sick person needs to eat food. The only requirement is liquid intake!

When to Seek Medical Assistance

•          There is no medication to treat this virus, so the resolution takes time.

Worsening symptoms/Signs of Complications:

•          If you are getting significantly short of breath please be in touch.  If progressive and worsening, you need to be seen and possibly hospitalized.  Best to go the ER if shortness of breath is a significant symptom

How Long to Recover

•          The COVID is a viral infection that will generally take from 3–7 days to develop, 3-7 days to improve and then from 3-7 days to completely resolve.

ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS FOR COVID TESTING OTHER THAN OUR OFFICE:

Arcpoint Labs

https://www.arcpointlabs.com/scottsdale-north

CVS Health

https://cvshealth.com/covid-19/testing-locations

Walgreens

https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing

Aveon Health

http://aveonhealth.com/sick-visit/

Honor Healthcare

https://www.honorhealth.com/coronavirus-covid-19/testing

Mesa Community College System:

https://embrywomenshealth.com/testing-blitz/

Nextcare Testing:

https://nextcare.com/curbside//

Rapid COVID Testing Clinic

https://rapidcovidclinic.com/covid-19-testing

Arizona Department of Health COVID Testing Locations

https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-testing

Arizona COVID-19 hotline at 844-542-8201 for more information about testing options and availability in your area.

At Home test kits:

$109 kit:  https://www.everlywell.com/products/covid-19-test

$119 kit:   https://www.letsgetchecked.com/us/en/home-coronavirus-test

Zero Dollars…may be covered by insurance or by US Govt.:

https://www.pixel.labcorp.com/at-home-test-kits/covid-19-test

Risks with different activities…how to gauge risk:

https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

 

Accurate US statistics by age on COVID infections:

https://www.acsh.org/news/2020/06/23/coronavirus-covid-deaths-us-age-race-14863

 

What we can expect of COVID in next 1 year:

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/default/files/public/downloads/cidrap-covid19-viewpoint-part1_0.pdf

 

Can follow here  for ARIZONA UPDATES DAILY  and best trending information to know what is out in the community:

https://covidactnow.org/us/az?s=44750

 

Most informative graphics:

https://www.acsh.org/news/2020/06/02/every-picture-tells-story-covid-roundup-14825

 

Get your Mask up to N95 Level:

https://www.fixthemask.com

 

If you have symptoms of COVID….you can run through a simple checklist on-line to see if you should be concerned:

https://c19check.com/start