Stay informed. Be safe. Call us.
We understand that the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) may be alarming. The ever-changing situation created by the outbreak continues to alter travel plans and disrupt a number of events across the globe.
DialCare's committee of medical professionals is dedicated to closely monitoring the disease and keeping our doctors and members up to speed. It is our mission to provide you and your family with updated information concerning the spread of the virus and steps you can take to prevent infection.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your risk of contracting the disease, DialCare doctors are standing by 24/7 to provide screening for COVID-19 and other illnesses, answer your questions, evaluate your risk of infection and recommend next steps via phone or video chat. With DialCare, the doctor is always in, offering convenient relief for your body and peace of mind.
If you are having any trouble connecting with us or using our services, please call us at (855) 335-2255.
We will be happy to assist you by phone and connect you to care as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience. Our team is working around the clock to assist all of our members.
Fast Facts
- The Coronavirus is a respiratory illness. It is thought to have emerged from an animal source, but is now capable of spreading from person to person.
- Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, repeated shaking, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.
- The virus is communicated between people via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- There is currently no Coronavirus vaccine.
- There is no antiviral treatment for the Coronavirus. Infected persons can seek medical help to relieve their symptoms. DialCare doctors can help determine which over-the-counter medications would be best for controlling certain symptoms.
How can you protect yourself?
Remember to W.A.S.H.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds regularly. If you need a timer, try humming the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice in a row. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that consists of at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Stay home if you're sick.
- Hold a tissue over your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing. Then throw the tissue in the trash. You can also cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Is it the Coronavirus, the flu or an upper respiratory infection?
| Coronavirus (COVID-19) | The FLU | Upper Respiratory Infection | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symptoms | Shortness of breath, fever, cough, repeated shaking, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell | Fever, cough, body aches and fatigue | Pain or pressure in the face, scratchy or sore throat, congestion, coughing and runny nose |
| Transmission | Can be spread from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces or objects. Some studies suggest that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not exhibiting symptoms. | Can be spread from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces or objects. | Can be spread from an infected person coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated objects |
| Antiviral medications | Antiviral medications are currently being tested in an attempt to relieve symptoms | Existing antiviral medications can offer relief from symptoms and are sometimes able to shorten the duration of the infection | Common over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, antihistamines and cough suppressants |
| Incubation period | 2 to 14 days | 1 to 4 days | Up to 21 days |
"Quarantine" as defined by the CDC:
"Quarantine in general means the separation of a person or group of people reasonably believed to have been exposed to a communicable disease but not yet symptomatic, from others who have not been so exposed, to prevent the possible spread of the communicable disease."
How can you take care of yourself if you have possibly been exposed to COVID-19?
According to the CDC, if you have possibly been exposed to COVID-19, it is best to quarantine yourself and monitor your symptoms for 14 days. Here are some helpful tips for taking care of yourself at home if you have been quarantined due to possible exposure to COVID-19:
- Stay at home as much as possible and try to limit leaving for essential or emergency care only.
- Keep yourself hydrated and ensure you're getting plenty of rest.
- If you start to feel unwell and believe you may have COVID-19 symptoms, DialCare doctors are here to help. DialCare doctors can help screen for Coronavirus symptoms and other illnesses, answer your questions and evaluate your risk of infection.
- In the case of a medical emergency, when calling 911, you should specify that you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus. This information is helpful for 911 dispatchers.
Here's how you can also help minimize the risk of exposing your partner, roommates or family members to the virus while quarantined at home due to possible exposure to COVID-19:
- If possible, try to stay in one room while quarantined to limit the amount of exposure you have to your partner, roommates or family members, including using separate bathrooms if possible. If you must be around others either inside or outside your home, consider wearing a facemask if one is available.
- Try to avoid sharing common household items such as dishes, towels, bedding and more, with your partner, roommates or family members.
- Surfaces that are often touched and used such as counters, tabletops and doorknobs, need to be cleaned often.
How to take care of your physical and mental health while staying at home:
1. Keep your living quarters clean. This includes regularly washing your hands, drying them on clean towels and wiping down surfaces with disinfectant wipes.
2. Stock up on food and other necessities. This can help reduce the frequency with which you leave home. It's important to understand that the food supply chain is not at risk. Individuals should be prepared for interruptions and inconveniences, but not a famine.
3. Keep yourself busy. If you have a hobby or have considered taking one up, now is a good time for it. If you share a home with family, roommates or a partner, it may be a good idea to have things on hand that you can do together such as board games or video games.
4. Practice self-care. We understand that this is an anxious and uncertain time, so it is important to practice self-care by meditating, exercising, getting plenty of sleep and eating well-balanced meals. Due to social distancing, you may be unable to meet with your therapist to speak about your mental health concerns. With DialCare Mental Wellness, you can have virtual consultations with mental health professionals to address your anxieties, worries and concerns during this time.
Remember, we're here to help.
DialCare doctors are standing by anytime, anywhere in the U.S. Mental health professionals are also available seven days a week with DialCare Mental Wellness.
We remain ready to answer your questions, assess your risk of infection and address your mental health concerns at a moment's notice. Click the button below to learn more about our DialCare plans.
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