By Natural Medicine of Seattle

As concerns surrounding the coronavirus respiratory infection (COVID-19) are growing, we want to make sure that you have accurate information with steps you can take to stay healthy at home.

A novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV2 has been spreading and causing the respiratory infection called COVID-19. There are a growing number of cases being identified in Washington state. As of March 10th, King County now has 190 confirmed cases and 22 deaths.

Here are some protective measures the public can take as provided by the King County Public Health Department:

  1. Please stay home when you are sick. We are still in the cold and flu season, which means symptoms you are experiencing can be due to many different types of common cold viruses. Do not go to the emergency room unless you are experiencing critical or emergent symptoms. Please do not leave home until you have gone 72 hours without a fever. See more information for what to do when experiencing symptoms below.
  2. Continue to practice personal hygiene. Remember to wash hands with soap for 20 seconds. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and promptly wash hands after. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  3. Please reserve respiratory masks for people who are experiencing respiratory symptoms or people who are immunocompromised.
  4. If you are 60+ years of age or have underlying health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, lung disease or are immunocompromised, take measures to limit contact with people who are sick.
  5. Remember, anyone can contract the COVID-19 infection and no one group of people is more likely to be carrying or spreading it. Please see more information here for what you can do to help reduce the discrimination that is accompanying this outbreak.

What to do if you are experiencing symptoms:

  1. If you are experiencing fever (100.4 F or greater) alone or with mild symptoms (cough, runny nose, sinus pressure, inner ear pressure) and without severe respiratory symptoms (difficulty breathing or shortness of breath), stay home. The best measures to take when experiencing a fever with cold-like symptoms is to stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. You can place a cold towel on your forehead, back of the neck or abdomen for 10 – 20 minutes to help reduce temperatures. Please do not leave home until you have gone 24 hours without a fever.
  2. If you are experiencing fever and chills accompanied with respiratory symptoms (severe cough or shortness of breath), please call Natural Medicine of Seattle to talk with one of the resident physicians on staff. We will help determine the next steps for you to take. We are here to serve you Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. NMS can be reached at (206) 535-7527.

Here are some resources to stay informed and answer commonly asked questions regarding SARS-CoV and COVID-19:

King County FAQs

CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019

WA Department of Health Call Center can be reached at 1-800-525-0127 to address questions from the public.