COVID 19

COVID 19 is a highly contagious disease that presents potentially severe risks to the elderly and people with underlying health problems. If you or a loved one is experiencing COVID-related symptoms like a dry cough or shortness of breath, the Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physicians at Douglas Young, M.D., can help. Douglas Young, M.D., provides evaluations and follow-up appointments for patients with COVID 19 in the Arden-Arcade neighborhood of Sacramento, California. Contact the office by phone or online to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment.

What is COVID 19?

COVID 19 is an upper respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses responsible for illnesses like the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

COVID 19 spreads fast and is very contagious. If you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID, it’s essential to get tested and, if positive, receive treatment immediately. The sooner you take action, the better you can protect yourself and your friends and family.

What are COVID 19 symptoms?

Common symptoms of COVID 19 include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness
• Muscle aches

You might also experience gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or a loss of smell or taste.

When should I visit the doctor about COVID 19?

If you’re experiencing COVID 19 symptoms or you’ve been in contact with someone who has received a COVID-19 diagnosis, contact Douglas Young, M.D., promptly. 

*If you experience any life-threatening symptoms, like trouble breathing, confusion, persistent chest pain, or trouble staying awake, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Can you prevent COVID 19?

While there’s no known way to prevent COVID 19, there are things you can do to decrease your risk significantly, such as:

• Wash your hands
• Avoid close contact with others
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes
• Clean and disinfect surfaces
• Wear a face covering or mask in public
• Vaccinations

Stay home from work and other public areas if you experience any symptoms of COVID 19.

How is COVID 19 diagnosed?

Douglas Young, M.D., provides evaluations and follow-up appointments for patients concerned about their health before or after a COVID 19 diagnosis.

Your provider will conduct a physical exam, review your medical history, and ask about your symptoms, including when they first started, how severe they are, and if you’ve been around anyone who has received a COVID 19 diagnosis.

Next, they perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, taking a sample from your throat or nose using a cotton swab. Then they send your sample to a laboratory that analyzes for the presence of viral proteins. 

How is COVID-19 treated?

Treatment of COVID 19 usually involves drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking over-the-counter medication.

If your symptoms are so severe they require hospitalization, you might benefit from treatment with the antiviral drug remdesivir (brand name Veklury®), corticosteroids, or monoclonal antibodies.

If you’re concerned about your risk of COVID 19, contact Douglas Young, M.D., by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.