BY WNY MEDICAL, PC | MARCH 17 2020 | WNYMED NEWS & UPDATES

WNY Medical, PC is dedicated to providing safe, competent, and compassionate care for all patients, especially during the seasonal illness and COVID-19 periods.

Understanding Seasonal Illnesses and COVID-19

Respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, seasonal flu, and the common cold are circulating in our community. While many symptoms overlap, early recognition and proper precautions can help protect you, your family, and the community.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms may vary depending on the illness. Key indicators include:

• COVID-19: Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, body aches, sore throat, headache
• Seasonal Flu: Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, nasal congestion, sometimes vomiting
• Common Cold: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, mild sore throat, mild cough, mild fatigue

Who is at Higher Risk?

Some individuals may experience more severe illness, including:

• Adults over 65 years
• People with chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease)
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Pregnant women

What to Do if You Are Sick

• Stay home and avoid contact with others.
• Monitor your symptoms closely. Take temperature readings if you have a fever.
• Use the Patient Portal to send a secure message to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to discuss safe treatment options. Telehealth visits may be available.
• If you do not have access to the Patient Portal, call your provider’s office directly.
• Rest, hydrate, and manage mild symptoms with over-the-counter medications as recommended by your provider.
• Isolate from household members whenever possible, especially those at higher risk.

Home Care Guidelines

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
• Wear a mask when in shared spaces or around vulnerable household members.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep.

Prevention Tips

• Receive your annual flu vaccination if recommended.
• Practice physical distancing in public spaces.
• Avoid large gatherings if feeling unwell.
• Keep shared spaces ventilated.
• Educate family members about recognizing symptoms early.

When to Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Call your provider or seek urgent care if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent high fever above 101°F / 38.3°C
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Severe fatigue or confusion
• Symptoms worsening after a few days
• Chest pain or pressure
• Underlying conditions that may increase risk (heart, lung, kidney disease, diabetes, immunocompromised)

Safe Care Options

To minimize exposure and ensure safety, WNY Medical, PC offers:

• Telehealth consultations for mild to moderate symptoms
• Alternative in-office scheduling for urgent care with infection control measures
• Secure messaging via the Patient Portal for treatment guidance and prescription management

Resources & Updates

Stay informed by following these resources:

• WNY Medical Facebook page for real-time updates
• COVID-19 and seasonal illness updates: WNY Medical website
• CDC guidelines for COVID-19 and seasonal illnesses: CDC
• Erie County Department of Health: Erie County DOH

Patient Education

Listen to Dr. Sadiq for tips on preventing illness, recognizing symptoms, and staying safe during COVID-19 and seasonal illness periods: Watch Here

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. By following these guidelines, we can help keep our patients, staff, and community safe.