Home » COVID-19, a.k.a. Coronavirus, Information From Naturopathic Family Medicine

COVID-19, a.k.a. Coronavirus, Information From Naturopathic Family Medicine

Help stop the spread of most illnesses, including COVID-19 (a.k.a. Coronavirus) by coughing into your elbow or a tissue. Photo by Anastasia Gepp, from Pixabay.com

In an effort to share accurate information regarding the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, the doctors at Naturopathic Family Medicine have given a list of suggestions for combating this contagion.

The Washington State Department of Health has a call center to address specific questions from the public – about how the virus spreads or what to do if you have symptoms – call 1-800-525-0127, and press #.  You can also check the website for up-to-date information (click here.)

Here are the facts about Coronavirus:

  • The virus is spread between people who are in close contact – within 6 feet
  • The virus is MOST contagious when people are sickest, but it can also be spread before someone shows symptoms
  • Symptoms will appear 2 to 14-days after exposure
  • Symptoms include fever, a dry cough, and shortness of breath/exhaustion

Coronavirus Treatments:

  • There is no current treatment for this virus
  • However, the things that help a body fight Coronavirus are the same as with any virus or flu – get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, eat healthy, and manage stress well
According to medical advice, wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic will help those with the illness – not in protecting the uninfected. Photo by Juraj Varga, from Pixabay.com

Recommendations To Prevent Illness, Including Coronavirus:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your face with your hands
  • Cover any coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, then wash your hands
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects often

A Note About Masks:

  • Masks need to be worn by the SICK to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets through coughing and/or sneezing
  • Healthy individuals are not protected by masks as respiratory droplets from others can pass through the mask easily
PLEASE, if you have a fever, and a dry cough, stay home and avoid contact with others. Photo provided by Pixabay.com

Additional recommendations if the outbreak worsens:

  • Avoid public areas that are not necessary
  • Avoid large events, such as sporting events, conferences, and other community gatherings, and close contact with others
  • Avoid travel in close quarters like a plane or a bus

If you do have symptoms – fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath – PLEASE STAY HOME!!  Do not expose others.  Keep others from getting sick too.

If you have genuine symptoms of a viral illness, please do not make an appointment to visit a clinic or doctor’s office.  Instead, call and arrange a video consult, telephone visit, or a car visit.  Naturopathic Family Medicine can offer any of these consults with Dr. Krystal Richardson, or one of the other practitioners.  Contact NFM at info@naturopathicfamilymedicine.com or 206-683-4495.

If you believe you have been exposed to the Coronavirus, please call the Washington State Department of Health hotline at 1-800-525-0127, and press #.