Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness.
COVID-19 General Questions | Travel Impact | Tips to Stay Healthy | Get Updated Information
COVID-19 General Questions
COVID-19 is a new virus that causes a respiratory viral syndrome that can range from a mild cold to severe pneumonia. A comprehensive list of symptoms is above.
Yes, there are 7 kinds of coronavirus, including the one that causes the common cold. Other coronaviruses include SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19.
It’s believed to spread via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to influenza and other respiratory infections.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of COVID-19, please visit Illinois Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or World Health Organization websites for the latest on the number of confirmed cases and related information in our communities, the United States, and globally.
Currently, there is not a vaccine for COVID-19.
Contact tracing is used to identify persons who may have had contact with an infected person or with a person who exhibited no symptoms at the time of contact but later developed fever and/or respiratory issues. Our public health colleagues collect this and other information about these contacts, then test or treat infected individuals, and trace their contacts in turn. This process aims to contain and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, population, etc.
Fine Spine Health & Wellness Center requires everyone to wear a face covering (mask) upon entering all of our facility. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided. All essential workers and visitors will also be required to wear a mask. We also recommend wearing a mask in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g. grocery stores, pharmacies) and especially in areas of significant community spread. In fact, several surrounding communities require that you wear a mask in public. The mask is not a replacement for social distancing (remaining at least six feet from other people) but rather something to use in addition to social distancing and other key preventive measures, such as frequent hand hygiene.
People with COVID-19 infection typically have one or more of the following symptoms: fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, loss or decrease of smell or taste, muscle aches with flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, chills or shaking chills, headache, diarrhea, nausea or other gastrointestinal symptoms OR had contact with a person confirmed with COVID-19 infection OR had contact with a person under investigation (someone who has been tested for COVID-19 and is awaiting results). If you have any of these symptoms and are over 60 years old or have chronic diseases or your immune system is weak, you may be at higher risk for a severe COVID-19 infection. Not all patients with these symptoms or risk factors need COVID-19 testing. If you feel you have COVID-19 symptoms you should:
- Call your physician first but please be patient. There may be some delays due to the number of people calling.
- If your symptoms are worsening or you think you need emergency services, call 9-1-1 immediately.
No, we do not offer testing. Please contact your local hospital to get information on how to get tested if you notice COVID-19 symptons.
Most similar diseases result in immunity, but there is not enough evidence yet to determine if recovery from COVID-19 guarantees immunity from future infection.
Travel
The CDC defines a high incidence state as one that has a 7-day rolling average of 15 or more positive cases per 100,000 people in the population. Some states have set their own high incidence thresholds that are lower than the CDC definition. Prior to traveling, you should check the public health recommendations for the state to which you are traveling.
If your care visit is in an office, procedural or surgical setting, or within any ancillary or lab service area, there are several things you can do:
Yes. Please call 9-1-1 immediately or drive to your neariest Emergency Hospital.
When making your appointment, please identify if you traveled from a high incidence state in the U.S. or are returning from international travel. If either of those situations is your only risk factor and you are not experiencing any other COVID-related symptoms, we will determine if your visit must be in-person.
We encourage our patients not to use public transportation to their visit, if possible. This action is necessary for the safety and protection of our patients, care teams and communities.
For everyone’s safety and protection, please do the following when you arrive:
If possible symptoms are present, the care team will confer with your physician to determine if the visit should proceed. If your physician feels that your symptoms may be related to an acute COVID infection, you will be referred to an appropriate Immediate Care Center location. If your physician does not feel your symptoms are COVID-related and wishes to proceed, your visit will be limited to 30 minutes, if possible.
We ask that you kindly quarantine before a scheduled visit if possible. Please contact your provider for guidance and instructions.
For everyone’s safety, we ask that you come by yourself to your appointment unless it is absolutely necessary—as in the case of a parent or guardian bringing a child or an individual who needs a caregiver at all times.
Yes. If the screening determines that they have COVID-related symptoms, they will be asked to leave the office and wait in their vehicle until your appointment is over.
The above processes do not apply to any individuals who have passed through high incidence states for less than 24 hours—through the course of travel such as changing planes at airports or driving through high incidence states.
Many of the local health departments are in agreement on their approach and we have identified the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) as the preferred source of updated information. Please visit the CDPH website.
Tips for Everyone to Stay Healthy
There are several things we can all do to remain safe, healthy, and vigilant. Where to Get Updated Information
You may also access additional information from the following sites: COVID-19 Home Care Guides
The NorthShore COVID-19 Home Care Guide was designed to help you recover from COVID-19 at home. If you, or someone in your care, have COVID-19, please review the guides below.
Download COVID-19 Prevention and Care Tips (pdf).