COVID-19 INFORMATION

Every day we’re hearing more about the spread of the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19, which is now a pandemic. 1st Care and its team are here to help patients in this fight against COVID-19 and believe that we will get through this together.

What are the signs of COVID-19?

Symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure. They may include:

Fever
Cough
Having trouble breathing
Feeling unwell or very run down or tired
Body aches
Sore Throat, Congestion or Runny Nose
Headache
New Loss of Smell or Taste
Nausea or Vomiting, Diarrhea

Who has a greater chance of getting very sick from COVID-19?

People who could get seriously sick from COVID-19 include:

Anyone over age 60
People with severe long-term heart, lung, or kidney problems.

For more information, visit the CDC’s website.

Recommendations if I think I’m infected or someone I know is infected

Call us before you walk-in or make an appointment, so that we can appropriately screen you and provide advise
We can also schedule an appointment for you at our Mesa office where an on-site third party lab does same-day drive-thru testing for COVID-19
Stay Home as advised by your Health Care Provider
If you develop severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room
When you call us, please be patient as our call volumes are high during this time.

Where do I get the test?

Please call our Mesa office at 480.272.8877 first to make an appointment and an on-site third party lab there will perform drive-thru testing. Most appointments for COVID-19 testing are done on the same day.

How do I keep from catching COVID-19?

There’s still a lot to learn about the new virus, including how it spreads from person to person. But here are some general rules from WHO on how to protect yourself.

Wear a face covering or mask
Social Distancing as advised by local and national health officials. Read CDC's protocols here.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds . Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with an elbow or tissue. Then wash your hands right away.
Stay away from anyone who has a fever or a cough.
Don’t share cups or utensils with people who are sick.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms call your doctor right away
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched often, like doorknobs or TV remotes.

If you’re planning to travel, stay up to date on the CDC’s travel warnings.

Important Information

Our office is open with regular business hours to care for our patients and we are taking all possible precautions and safety procedures for our patients and our staff. We are also incorporating Telemedicine (video call consultation) to make it convenient for patients who are not able to physically come to the office.

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, we advise you to call us before you walk-in to the office so that you can be screened to determine the right treatment plan for you.

1st Care Family Medical will continue to coordinate with appropriate authorities and follow all guidance and protocols issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health departments.

It’s important to note that 80% of COVID-19 cases are mild or asymptomatic, according to the World Health Organization. Like seasonal influenza, COVID-19 infection is more severe in patients with chronic underlying health conditions and the elderly.

More information about symptoms and prevention can be found on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.

Dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have serious symptoms.