For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic is the first pandemic or life-changing event they have ever experienced. So, understandably, many people have questions when it comes to speaking with health professionals about the issue. What precautions should you be taking? Who does the virus affect? Should you get tested? First of all, when it comes to being informed about coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Talking to your doctor about your needs and getting answers to all of your questions can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and health of you and your loved ones.

Here’s how to talk to your family practice doctor

First, you’ll want to be informed. Learn everything you can about the virus, including recognizing coronavirus symptoms, understanding testing procedures, and how to deal with stress and anxiety during this time.

Get the right doctor.

The work of medical professionals during this time is valued and appreciated by millions around the world. Because of them, countless lives are saved, families are more informed, and every day offers more insight into COVID-19 and its behavior. However, with so many doctors caring for COVID-19 patients and many others putting in time for patients who need help with unrelated health concerns, doctors have much tighter schedules and are far busier and much less available than they ever were. However, direct primary care medicine is a welcome system to patients these days. With a family practice doctor in Huntington Beach, CA, you’ll get 24/7 access to your doctor through phone calls, texts, and e-mails, allowing for a faster response whenever you need it. Having multiple ways to access your doctor can put you at ease during stressful times.

Understand the symptoms.

It is important to understand the symptoms so when you or a family member exhibits any signs of the virus, you can plan accordingly. If you are unsure what your symptoms mean, call your doctor and inquire about your symptoms. Your doctor may have you go into his or her office in order to better assess you. 

Be prepared.

If you feel as though you’re experiencing coronavirus symptoms or suspect that one of your loved ones may be positive, reach out to your direct primary care doctor to determine your next steps. If they would like to have you visit in person, it is important that you are prepared before your visit.How do you prepare?Most importantly, don’t go into your doctor’s office without letting them know you will be arriving. This is not a typical procedure, but in order to have them prepare for your visit and protect their and your health to avoid coronavirus transmission, they may need to do certain things before you meet.

If this is the first time you are visiting with your doctor, it is crucial that you inform him or her of any underlying health conditions that you have and are aware of such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease. You’ll also want to give them other helpful information about yourself that could help them better understand your needs. This includes your age, recent travel history, and working conditions.You can also prepare to talk to your Huntington Beach family medicine doctor about COVID-19 by bringing a list of questions you’d like to discuss. This helps keep the visit as efficient as possible and allows you to go back to social distancing sooner.

Here are some ideas of things you may want to stay informed about:

1. What symptoms should I look out for?

2. How can I keep myself and my family as safe as possible?

3. What steps should I take if I suspect that I or someone in my home has COVID-19?

4. How does coronavirus transmission work?

5. What does COVID-19 look like in my area?

The goal is to get adequate information about COVID-19 so that you can stay alert and aware without feeling anxious about everything you do, especially when they are done in the comfort of your own home.

Inform others.

Your family practice doctor in Huntington Beach, CA will answer all of your questions and provide useful information and tips that you can use to stay safe and healthy. But unless this information pertains to you and your specific needs (or the specific needs of a family member), don’t keep it to yourself. Share what you have learned with others so that they, too, can avoid putting themselves at risk. You should also encourage those with whom you share this information, to also share what they have learned from you. The faster accurate information is spread, the slower the virus will spread and the sooner we can return to living with peace of mind.

If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms or would like to speak with a family practice doctor in Huntington Beach, CA, reach out today!