What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
-
Symptoms are not highly well-known because it is a novel disease, but common symptoms include:
-
Fever
-
Cough
-
*Shortness of breath
-
Diarrhea
-
*Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
-
*New confusion or inability to arouse (wake up)
-
*Bluish lips or face
-
-
If you have the starred (*) symptoms and are having a medical emergency, call 911
-
If you have any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you, contact your medical provider
-
Try to call ahead before making an appointment with your doctor
-
Telephone appointments are available
-
Nurses may be able to help you through the phone when you contact your medical provider
-
-
If you think you may have been infected with COVID-19, it is recommended by the CDC that you stay home except to get medical care and do the following:
-
Get rest
-
Stay hydrated
-
Take OTC medication to alleviate pain
-
Stay in touch with your doctor
-
Monitor your symptoms
-
Separate yourself from other people and avoid public transportation
-
Cover your mouth and nose with cloth if you live with other people
-
How does Parkinson's relate to COVID-19?
HOW You can HELP
01/ practice social distancing
-
Stay safe to help reduce the numbers of those affected. Stay safe to help nurses and doctors.
- Stay home apart from getting essential needs met!
02/ join our letter/card program
-
Make cards or write letters to healthcare providers! They are performing life-saving work at the risk of their own lives and wellbeing. Let's do our best to help them by staying safe and keeping them going!
-
Write to seniors in senior homes! Common symptoms of PD are anxiety and depression, which are increasing during this time. Ease someone's isolation through a letter or a card!
03/ Stay informed
-
Stay informed about COVID-19 and how to stay safe! Make sure to listen to health professionals and scientists during this time!
Parkinson's Disease, as of now, has not been shown to increase vulnerability to COVID-19.
However, any form of infection may worsen symptoms of Parkinson's, including reduced motor abilities, and decrease or reduce "off" time (time during which the individual does not experience symptoms or experiences them much less severely).
Populations most affected by PD are also those that are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Parkinson's care and research is now more difficult.