COVID-19 is an infection that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause. Dr. Lopez understands that complications from COVID-19 can have long-lasting effects on your health. With in-office and at-home services, Dr. Lopez can diagnose, treat, and help prevent COVID-19 infections in patients of all ages.
Some people don’t even realize they’re carrying the infection, while others experience severe symptoms that require hospitalization. The sooner you have a proper diagnosis, the better the outcome in most cases.
Common signs of COVID-19 include:
If you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive, contact Dr. Lopez for thorough COVID testing.
COVID-19 is primarily an airborne illness that enters your eyes, nose, or mouth through air droplets. Many people contract COVID-19 by touching a surface that contains the infection and then touching their face.
There are two types of testing Dr. Lopez may recommend:
NAATs are the most reliable tests for individuals who aren’t showing symptoms of COVID. They test the virus’ genetic materials for the most accurate results. Most people receive results within one week of testing.
Antigen tests, or rapid tests, look for the presence of viral proteins in your mucus or saliva. While they produce results within 30 minutes, antigen tests are not as accurate as NAATs.
COVID-19 treatments depend entirely on your symptoms and health history. If you experience life-threatening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, head to your nearest emergency room. For milder symptoms, Dr. Lopez may recommend:
Certain antiviral drugs, such as Remdesivir, sold under the brand name Veklury®, have been shown to improve symptoms of COVID-19.
You can take many steps to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 and spreading the infection if you already have it. These prevention tips include:
Call Fernando Lopez Ivern MD today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about preventing and treating COVID-19.