WHAT TO DO IF YOU BECOME SYMPTOMATIC
If you are experiencing these symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
AND have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Then: Call Lifespan Health at 731-925-2300.
You will be connected with medical personnel in order to provide you with the best plan for your treatment.
Rapid Testing Information
Lifespan is offering rapid testing for COVID-19. Rapid tests offer results in 15-20 minutes!
If the test is POSITIVE, then you DEFINITELY have the virus and will know immediately.
If the test is NEGATIVE, then the test is only 96.7% sure and your negative result will require confirmation. Negative confirmation can take 2-3 days, or potentially longer. Due to the rise in testing, tests are taking as long as 14 days to confirm a negative result.
What does that mean?
Rapid testing will not immediately guarantee that you DON’T have COVID-19. It will not clear patients to transfer back to long term care facilities or work. If you have been exposed, please stay home and quarantine for two weeks. It may take that long to get the negative test confirmation back anyway. Do your part by staying home or wearing a mask when out!
Appointment & Testing Protocol
Effective Monday, May 4th 2020
All Well Patient and non-COVID-19 related appointments can be scheduled for before 3:00PM, Monday thru Friday. All potential COVID-19 patients must schedule appointments for after 3:00PM, Monday thru Friday.
The McNairy County Health Department is offering testing by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled for 1:30PM – 3:30PM, Monday thru Friday. Please call the clinic at 731-645-3474 to make an appointment for testing.
Now Offering Antibody Testing
Lifespan is now offering COVID-19 antibody testing to our patients. To get tested, patients need to CALL AND ASK for their PCP to order a test for them. Many insurances will cover the cost of the tests, but if it is not covered, the patitent may receive a bill. Bills are approximately $50-$150, depending on the number of tests ordered.
Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses; and, in humans, can cause respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory illnesses. COVID-19 is the most recently discovered coronavirus that began in China, December 2019. The most common symptoms are cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
Most patients (80%) recover without needing special treatment and can stay home if symptoms are not severe. Approximately one in six who get COVID-19 become severely ill and develop difficulty breathing. Older patients, and those with underlying medical problems like heart disease, diabetes, and lung problems, are more likely to develop a severe illness. People with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should call their primary care provider first or contact a provider through Telehealth.
Your best defense against illness is to wash your hands with soap and water, cover your mouth if coughing, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick unless you leave to seek medical care.
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