COVID-19 IN CHICAGO
Coronavirus:
Now screening & testing patients
Respiratory Symptoms
Fever
Cough
Shortness of Breath
Breathing Difficulties
Do you have symptoms? We can test.
Expedited COVID-19 testing available for healthcare workers and first responders
We are grateful for the dedicated healthcare workers and first responders who are on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovative Express Care will expedite COVID-19 testing for essential healthcare workers and first responders who are struggling to be seen at the testing sites established by the government. If you are a healthcare worker or first responder in need of a test, contact us at (773) 270-5600.
COVID-19 testing is done in an outdoor medical tent. Individuals may also be tested for flu or strep during their visit to Innovative Express Care. An ID will be required to indicate your employment.
Telemedicine screening is required for the general public prior to testing.
Telemedicine appointments are an efficient way to review your symptoms and medical history, gather your demographic information and determine if a test is warranted, all without leaving your home. If you meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing, we will ask you to come to our medical tent.
I invite you to review our list of Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Dr. Khare COVID-19 Live Update
COVID-19 Telemedicine Appointment
If you are sick and concerned about COVID-19, the safest, most efficient way for you to be screened for the virus is by booking a telemedicine appointment.
Telemedicine allows you to see a physician from the comfort of your own home. During the 10-15-minute virtual appointment, we will ask you screening questions based on the CDC guidelines, discuss your symptoms, and review your medical history. If you qualify for testing, we will expedite your care here at Innovative Express Care.
The cost of a telemedicine visit is $100 (we do not bill insurance for this telemedicine visit). In-office visits will be billed to your insurance, or can be done via self-pay.
Here’s How A COVID-19 Telemedicine Screening Works:
STEP 1
Screening via a telemedicine appointment.
STEP 2
Medical tests (flu, COVID-19 or other illnesses at our urgent care clinic if warranted based on your symptoms)
or
Referral to another lab for COVID-19 testing (done by emailing you a signed order)
STEP 3
Follow up appointment by telemedicine or in-person (if symptoms worsen or if the COVID-19 test is positive).
Frequently Asked Questions (Updated)
Symptoms of COVID-19 appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure.
The most common symptoms are sore throat, fever, cough, diarrhea, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing or coughing up blood or sputum.
While the illness can be severe, resulting in serious complications like pneumonia and even death, other cases have been mild. Our understanding of the symptoms COVID-19 infection will grow as health agencies continue to investigate.
*Based on 55,924 lab confirmed cases symptoms were seen as follows:
- Fever (88%)
- Dry cough (67%)
- Fatigue (38%)
- Sputum production (33%)
- Short of breath (18%)
- Sore throat (14%)
- Headache (13%)
- Muscle/joint aches (15%)
- Chills (11%)
- Nausea/vomiting (5%)
- Stuffy nose (5%)
- Diarrhea (4%)
- Coughing up blood (1%)
If you think you might have been exposed to the COVID-19, see our COVID-19 experts via telemedicine by making an appointment here. This is the best way to get the testing you may need, including eventual testing for COVID-19, influenza, strep throat, or mono at Innovative Express Care if needed.
R0 (how infectious it is) of 2-2.5 was prior to quarantine/social distancing measures. Though interventions (vaccines, behaviors, etc) and other factors (cruise ships, location) will change this number.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m
Household transmission 3-10% and close contacts 1-5%.
We are now seeing this as an international crisis. We know that the virus can also be passed from person to person. The likely method of human-to-human transmission is through tiny droplets spread onto hard services by coughing and sneezing, but it can also be transmitted by stool contamination (they have found the live virus in patient’s stool, which means droplets from stool (or diarrhea, which is highly prevalent in patients with COVID-19), and even the plume of gas. It is highly contagious.
Average incubation 5-6 days (range 1-14)
From onset to max illness – usually about a week.
Recovery is about 2 weeks for mild to moderate disease but 3-6 weeks for severe disease.
Pritzker gives stay-at-home order for Illinois, in effect until April 7
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/pritzker-orders-illinoisans-to-shelter-in-place-until-april-7/
The best protection against the virus is to practice isolation, social distancing, and also the same daily habits that help prevent the common cold or flu. This includes frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoiding close contact with those who are sick. To protect others, stay home when you are ill and remember to cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue that is then discarded.
There is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment for the COVID-19 infection. Respiratory and blood tests, where available, can confirm whether you have the virus. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and preventing transmission. In severe cases, care to support vital organ functions may be necessary.
It survives on surfaces likely around 9 days – but some strains show longer and temp/humidity matters.
https://www.journalofhospitali
List of things that work against:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-
Mostly older patients and those with comorbidities having a more severe course. Likely under detected in younger patients due to the low complication rate in these patients.
- The vast majority of cases in China — 87% — were in people ages 30 to 79,
- Teens and young adults do not seem to be contracting the disease at significant rates
It is relatively unlikely, but not completely ruled out as a possibility. At least short term immunity is noted: https://jamanetwork.com/journa
It is a risk for more severe disease. Specific details for each illness are not currently available. It is still relatively rare and developing. Pregnant women do not appear to be at higher risk for severe disease.
https://www.thelancet.com/jour
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) post new information about the virus on an ongoing basis. You can read their latest updates here.
Innovative Express Care can help determine if you can get testing and help you get better. We are the resource you need for COVID-19 virus and we certainly are your go to clinic for all respiratory illnesses and flu.