Covid-19 is NOT new to our community. We have had several cases before last week and suspect we will have several more before it is over. We will be glad to answer any questions or concerns regarding testing, exposure, etc if you call the clinic. Some basics to consider are listed below:

1) If you leave your house, you are exposed. It is everywhere whether you see it or not. Wash your hands. Maintain social distance.

2) You and/or your child are at risk going to the gas station, out to eat, or grocery shopping as they are also at risk attending athletic training. Social distancing has attempted to be maintained and hand hygiene has been emphasized daily in athletic training.

3) Please realize that the only way to guarantee no exposure is for you and your children to stay in your home with no visitors. At this point be cautious with all visitors and consider all exposed to be safest. Still wash your hands.

4) You only “need” to be tested if you have symptoms, however, symptoms can be different for each person and vague. Symptoms include but are not limited to: Headache, sore throat, fever, cough, GI upset including diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, fatigue and shortness of breath.

5) If you “want” to be tested there are many options, from rapid testing which some insurance may not pay for, or traditional lab testing which is about a 6-12 day wait as of now.

There are no questions that are not valuable and again we will be glad to answer you may have. Working in the clinic and the ER I have seen the wrath of this virus and will be the first to tell you early recognition of symptoms and immediate quarantine/treatment are the best options for all. If someone in your household is sick with any symptoms or has a positive test, please quarantine the rest of the family to limit exposure to others.

Feel free to call the Allen Health Clinic with any questions. 580-857-2424 - Heather Prentice APRN