Circle Medical Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) FAQ

Last updated 2/17/2021

At Circle Medical, we are closely monitoring updates regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and will continue to share new information and recommendations with our patients as it becomes available. Below are answers to frequently asked questions such as how the virus is spread, COVID-19 symptoms, how to best protect yourself and your family, and what to do if you are sick and worried that you have COVID-19. As of February 17, 2021, the U.S. has over 27.7 million confirmed cases of COVID-19.

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The virus that causes COVID-19 was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

How does COVID-19 spread?

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The virus spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or speaks. People can catch COVID-19 if they breathe in these droplets from a person infected with the virus, which is why it is important to stay at about 6 feet away from others. It may be possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object, like a table or packaging container, that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

What at the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Other symptoms include muscle or body aches, headache, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, or new loss of taste or smell. Some people become infected but only experience mild symptoms. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment. Approximately 15% become seriously ill and require oxygen and 5% become critically ill, requiring intensive care. Older people, and those with underlying medical issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, or heart conditions are more likely to develop serious illness.

How can I protect myself?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Here are things the CDC recommends everyone should do:

Clean your hands often

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home.
• Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home. Stay at least 6 feet from other people, do not gather in groups, and stay out of crowded places.

Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a mask when they have to go out in public.
• The mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are in a private setting and not wearing your mask, remember to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.

What should I do if I am sick?

If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, take steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.

• Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Stay away from others. You should stay in a specific room and isolate yourself from other people and pets in your home. You should use a separate bathroom, if possible. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of your home, wear a mask.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and have symptoms such as fatigue, fever or cough, we recommend booking a video visit with one of our providers (open link in mobile), who can assess your symptoms and answer questions in the comfort of your home. If you believe your symptoms are urgent and need to go to the ER, we recommend calling ahead to let them know you are coming so they can isolate you and keep other patients safe.

How many confirmed COVID-19 cases are there in San Francisco?

As of February 14, 2021 there have been 33,211 positive cases of COVID-19 in San Francisco. The San Francisco Department of Public Health is working with these individuals to ensure that their health is monitored, and all precautions are being taken to protect their health and the health of the public.

How can I stay informed on the latest news about COVID-19 in San Francisco?

Visit https://sf.gov/topics/coronavirus-covid-19 for the latest information, and sign up for the City’s new alert service for official updates: text COVID19SF to 888–777.

For additional information, see the latest CDC and WHO recommendations.