COVID-19

Primary Care for children and adults located in Covington Township, PA

COVID-19 services offered in Covington Township, PA

Regular testing and vaccinations remain the best protections against COVID-19 and its symptoms. At Hometown Health Care of NEPA in Covington Township, Pennsylvania, primary care specialist Allyson Favuzza, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, offers rapid testing and vaccines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infection you can develop from SARS-CoV-2, a type of coronavirus. The virus spreads through small particles in the air or saliva droplets. While COVID primarily affects the respiratory system, it can impact your body’s digestive tract, vascular system, and other organs.

What makes COVID-19 challenging to treat is its ability to mutate. It spreads quickly and affects everybody differently. The infection can cause mild symptoms in some individuals but severe symptoms in others.

What are the signs of COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person, but the most common signs are:

Cough
Sore throat
Fever
Chills
Muscle aches
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Runny nose
Congestion

Without treatment, COVID-19 can lead to severe breathing difficulties. A prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to protect yourself against COVID symptoms.

How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

At Hometown Health Care of NEPA, Dr. Favuzza diagnoses COVID-19 with rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The test involves taking nasopharyngeal swabs through your nose to collect mucus samples inside your nasal cavity.

Dr. Favuzza inserts the swab into your nostril and gently twists it to take your sample. She then repeats the same process in your other nostril. The entire test takes only a few minutes, and results are usually available within the same day as your collection.

What are the treatments for COVID-19?

Most cases of COVID respond well to at-home treatments. Rest and fluids are crucial for fast recovery without complications. Dr. Favuzza may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medications to relieve your symptoms and lower your fever. If your symptoms worsen, you should head to your nearest emergency room or urgent care.

To prevent COVID-19 from spreading, you should self-isolate for at least five days and wear a mask when you’re out in public.

How can I prevent COVID-19?

The COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you against infection and prevent the virus from spreading. If you have the infection, Dr. Favuzza encourages you to wear a mask in public and stay at home as often as possible.

Call Hometown Health Care of NEPA today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about COVID-19.