How you might be exposed and when and where to seek help were some questions.

The LA Care Health Plan program had a virtual presentation this Friday to clarify doubts to the community about the symptoms of the coronavirus and how to access the tests.

Actor Juan Pablo di Pace, from the series Fuller House, participated with Dr. Erika Flores Uribe, an emergency medicine expert who leads the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS), in the efforts of equity to the access to COVID-19 tests.

The doctor said that to reduce the chances of contagion, you must follow the health rules that experts have been repeating for months.

This includes constant behaviors such as frequent hand washing for 20 seconds and covering the mouth and nose on the street and in the workplace.

“The other part of this is making sure we keep the physical distance of six feet,” said the doctor.

She added that this, on some occasions, is possible even in public transport since she has had patients who come to see her and have been told that their bus routes are not so conglomerated. Similarly, passengers should use a mask and antibacterial gel or wash their hands as soon as possible.

The advice provided through LA Care’s Facebook Live is part of a clarification to demonstrate the difference between science and politics that have lately generated mixed messages and general confusion about COVID-19.

How to detect the virus?

Dr. Uribe said that although the classic symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath, they are not all since the system of each person reacts differently.

“We have seen people who have headaches and body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste and smell as well as a sore throat,” he explained.

He added that in these cases, the most important thing is to contact your GP and decide if you need to keep yourself isolated from others.

“The other really important thing is that some people can have COVID and have no symptoms,” said the doctor. “So we have to make sure we take all those precautions to keep everyone safe.”

When is there a danger of contagion?

The definition of close contact means that a person was within six feet of the infected person for more than 15 minutes. Another example is someone who exchanged bodily fluids with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

“If the person sneezes into your face or kisses them, that is exchanging bodily fluids,” Uribe explained.
When these types of situations occur, it does not matter if the exposed person does not have symptoms, they may be eligible to be tested.

He noted that this can probably happen to someone who lives with other people who go to work, and someone tested positive for the virus.

“[Pero] If you have symptoms, don’t go to work, ”he said bluntly.

The doctor explained that it is important to follow what is called the three Cs in English; stay away from closed spaces, crowded places and close contacts.
Uribe noted that there are multiple COVID-19 testing sites throughout the county.

To access them, community members can call 211 to find out which is the closest town to their homes.

Testing for the COVID-19 coronavirus in Los Angeles County does not require verification of health insurance or immigration status.

Those who do not have a car should not worry as many of the test sites allow access on foot.

They can make an appointment over the phone or online. To go, it is recommended that you follow the same rules of using mouth guards and keep the recommended distance.

The average to receive the results is three to five days but based on the number of people who are taking the test there are variations to receive the results.

“Now, that can take a little longer, sometimes the most important thing as I mentioned before is that during that time that you are waiting, keep those precautions of isolating yourself and staying away from others,” said Uribe. “Use a mouth guard, keep your distance and wash your hands frequently.”

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