What are the benefits of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Telehealth could have multiple benefits during the pandemic by expanding access to care, reducing disease exposure for staff and patients, preserving scarce supplies of personal protective equipment, and reducing patient demand on facilities.

When should I look for emergency medical help due to COVID-19?

Trouble breathing

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

New confusion

Inability to wake or stay awake

Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

What is the treatment for COVID-19?

Clinical trials are looking into whether some drugs and treatments used for other conditions might treat severe COVID-19 or related pneumonia, including dexamethasone, a corticosteroid. The FDA has approved the antiviral remdesivir (Veklury) for treatment of patients hospitalized with COVID.

Should I go to the doctor or dentist for nonurgent appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic?

See full answerMany medical and dental practices now have sufficient personal protective equipment and have instituted comprehensive safety measures to help protect you, the doctor and office staff, and other patients. If you feel anxious about visiting in person, call the practice.Many doctor’s offices are increasingly providing telehealth services. This may mean appointments by phone call, or virtual visits using a video chat service. Ask to schedule a telehealth appointment with your doctor for a new or ongoing nonurgent matter. If, after speaking to you, your doctor would like to see you in person, he or she will let you know.

What are some signs of COVID-19 that need immediate medical attention?

• Trouble breathing• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest• New confusion• Inability to wake or stay awake• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

What are the benefits of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic?