MetroHealth offers resources to address questions and concerns about coronavirus COVID-19

(Plain Press, April 2020)    We are sure you have questions and concerns about COVID-19, or coronavirus. The MetroHealth System is here to help and ready to answer your questions.

Do you have symptoms of COVID-19?

As a reminder, COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The incubation period is two to 14 days after exposure. The infection can be very mild to full-blown pneumonia, but it appears that 80% of cases are mild.

Step one: call our COVID-19 Hotline.

In order to avoid exposure to others, and for your safety and convenience, MetroHealth will conduct an immediate evaluation over the telephone. If a clinical assessment is deemed necessary, a telephone visit or video visit will be promptly scheduled for you with a dedicated provider.

What to expect during a telephone or video visit?

A provider will ask you questions and evaluate your symptoms. He or she will then give further medical advice and determine the best course of action, whether to receive further testing, come for an in-person visit, or to simply stay at home.

The Hotline number is 440-59-COVID (440-592-6843).

If you are unsure if you should seek medical attention for COVID-19 symptoms, please call the hotline at 440-59-COVID (440-592-6843).

For additional information about the situation, please go to the following websites: Center for Disease Control website at cdc.gov., or link at: Centers for Disease Control– Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); Ohio Department of Health at: coronavirus.ohio.gov or link at: Ohio Department of  Health – Coronavirus updates page; or the MetroHealth COVID-19 Website at metrohealth.org or link at: MetroHealth COVID-19 Website .  The MetroHealth website also contains information about where to get additional resources including food and medicine, resources to access if you are asked to quarantine yourself. You can also gain access the CDC Self checker through the MetroHealth website that includes the following information.

Watch for symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.