What to do when you test positive for coronavirus

As tests become more readily available, we will see an increase in positive coronavirus cases. The more people we test, the more will test positive (and negative). But what happens if you get diagnosed with a positive case of coronavirus? Your first instinct may be to panic. Please don’t! In most cases, a care plan for someone that is diagnosed with coronavirus doesn’t look too different than what it would for someone that has a common cold or the flu. 

How do I get tested?

Patients must have an order from their doctor. If you do not have a primary care provider and would like to be evaluated for coronavirus, please schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers. 

 Village Health Partners is a designated testing site for coronavirus. Our team has been working diligently over the past week and has tested over 190 patients. We will continue to provide tests for patients that meet the following criteria:

• Patients must have an order from their doctor. Schedule a visit here.
• Patients must be healthcare workers, first responders, or high-risk (over 65 or have a chronic condition).
• Patients must have coronavirus symptoms (fever of 100 or higher, cough, sore throat, or have difficulty breathing. A full list of symptoms can be found here.

We will receive your results within two to five days, depending on the demand at the time the test was submitted. We will contact you to share your results and diagnosis and will share a care plan to help you treat your symptoms. During this wait time, please self-isolate at home.

 Please note that we are required to report all positive results to the Department of Health confidentially. They may reach out to learn more about any recent travel or close contacts to assist in containing the spread of the virus.

I tested positive. What should I do? 

You are likely experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms at this time. While there is no known cure for coronavirus, you can treat the symptoms of coronavirus, much like you would treat the symptoms of a cold or the flu.

First and foremost, make sure to get plenty of rest, increase your intake of liquids and take over-the-counter medication, as instructed by your doctor, to help with the pain and reduce fever. At this time, it is recommended by WHO to take Tylenol over Ibuprofen. If your symptoms become severely unmanageable, please immediately reach out to your provider, or in case of emergency, dial 911.

Patients who are confirmed to have coronavirus should remain under home isolation precautions until their potential risk of infecting others is considered to be low. It is crucial to keep a safe distance of at least six feet from others in your home to prevent you from spreading the virus to your loved ones. Read this blog on social distancing for additional tips on how to self-isolate and how we can work together on flattening the curve.

Discontinuing home isolation. 

Please remember to consult with your healthcare provider first before taking this action, as many factors can affect the final decision to discontinue home isolation. Patients should continue home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is determined to be low by a medical professional. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions is made on a case-by-case basis, in discussion with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

We’re sure you have plenty of questions, and we are here to help. If you are an existing Village Health Partners patient, you can reach your provider directly through the patient portal. Instructions on how to do this can be found here.

Are you looking for a primary care physician? You can schedule your next appointment here.