Question 1

What are symptoms of COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear within to 14 days after exposure and include:
Fever or chills.
Cough.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Muscle or body aches.
Headache.
New loss of taste or smell.
Sore throat.
Congestion or runny nose.
Nausea or vomiting.
Diarrhea.
This list does not include all possible symptoms.

Question 2

How can I best protect myself?

Accepted Answer

Practice the following:
Wear a face mask to protect yourself and others when you’re out in public.
Practice social distancing. Maintain a 6-foot distance from other people. 
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean and disinfect commonly touched objects and surfaces with household cleaners and wipes.
Avoid indoor gatherings, restaurants, bars or gyms (support local businesses with carry-out or very well-spaced outdoor options or virtual services)
Make sure your dentists, hair stylists, aestheticians, physical or massage therapists, chiropractors, personal trainers or other close contacts follow rigorous infection control measures
Avoid close contact especially with those not taking COVID-19 seriously, you are only as safe as all your social circle’s close contacts.

Question 3

What should I do if I have a chronic condition that puts me at high risk?

Accepted Answer

While we are still learning how it impacts specific groups of high-risk people, some people in the below categories are thought to be most susceptible to serious complications of COVID-19:
Have cancer.
Have hypertension.
Have diabetes.
Have heart disease.
Have lung disease.
Have a condition that compromises your immune system or take medications that suppress the immune system.
Are over age 65
Call your healthcare provider to find out what steps you should take if you're considered high risk.

Question 4

I have surgery scheduled with a IMS provider. Is it being postponed?

Accepted Answer

As the number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 rises in Arizona it may be necessary for hospitals to take steps to make sure that they have the staffing and resources needed to continue safely caring for patients. If we are postponing surgeries or procedures you will receive a call from your IMS provider’s office.
 
If you have questions about your surgery, please contact your healthcare provider’s office directly.

Question 5

If I have an emergency such as signs of a heart attack or stroke, or other serious concerns what should I do?"

Accepted Answer

Seek emergency care if you need it – do not hesitate to call 911 for symptoms of a heart attack, stroke or other serious issues.

Question 6

I have an appointment at an IMS practice, what safety measures are in place to protect me?"

Accepted Answer

We have taken steps to increase safety by:
Only patients with appointments are able to come into our facilities.
Ensuring everyone that comes to the clinic wears a mask.
Screening patients for any signs of sickness prior to their visit.
Providing telehealth visits for patients that are sick.
Screening everyone for potential COVID-19 symptoms.
Practicing social distancing.

Question 7

What if I am worried about coming into the office in person?

Accepted Answer

We offer telemedicine for our primary care and specialty services. 
You can visit with your provider from the comfort of your own home.
Don’t wait to get care. It’s important to maintain your health.
If you need a visit, call your provider today and ask for a Telemedicine
visit.

Question 8

What should I do if I need to travel during Covid-19?

Accepted Answer

Reconsider any travel or devise a travel safety plan to include 14 days of quarantine prior to travel.
Request window seats. 
Utilize boarding passes for touchless check-in.
Wear an effective high-quality mask and face shield or glasses through airport, and on the plane. 
Carry sanitizing wipes to sanitize commonly touched surfaces. 
Do not travel if you are sick or have been exposed to Covid-19.

Question 9

What else do I need to know?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve already had COVID-19, immunity may not be strong or lasting and you may still be able to unknowingly transmit infection. Please continue to follow infection control measures including masks. 
Get in shape for the vaccine with healthy intake of vitamin D preventively (COVID-19 severity is strongly associated with vitamin D deficiency), a healthy diet, daily exercise, healthy sleep and stress management. 
Work with our team to reverse COVID-19 risk factors and boost your likelihood of having an optimal immune response to vaccination: especially those with obesity, high blood sugar, hypertension, and inflammation or autoimmune issues.

Question 10

What about the Covid 19 Vaccine?

Accepted Answer

On December 11 th the FDA issued the first emergency use authorization
(EAU) for a COVID 19 Vaccine to Pfizer. This vaccine will be administered
in a series of two doses, three weeks apart. Because the supply of
COVID 19 vaccines will be limited at first, the CDC is recommending that
the initial supply of vaccines be offered to healthcare personnel and
long-term care facility residents.  The CDC is working with partners
across the country and once larger quantities are available, the plan
would be for all who want the vaccine to receive it. Currently there are
three other pharmaceutical companies (AstraZeneca, Janssen and
Moderna that will be presenting their vaccines up for approval in the
very near future.    
 
Regardless of the company, the vaccine will be free of charge and will
ultimately be given at locations like: your doctor’s offices, retail
pharmacies, hospitals and federally qualified health centers. The CDC
states that the side effects of the vaccine may feel a lot like the flu and
should subside within a few days.
 
In the meantime, while you wait for the vaccine to be more widely
available continue to use your mask to cover your nose and mouth
when around others, stay 6 feet away from others, and wash your
hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions