COVID-19 questions to ask your doctor at your next visit.

With the emergence of COVID-19 into the world this past year, almost every aspect of our lives has changed. From daily routines, like work and school, to going out to the movies and celebrating holidays with friends and family, it all continues to be different. With the changes we’ve experienced over the last few months, it’s normal to be anxious and unsure of just how you’re supposed to get on with life. Luckily, there are plenty of resources that can offer help.

One of the best resources to turn to right now is your healthcare team. Whether that’s your general practitioner or a specialist, these are the professionals you can trust to help you navigate this new normal. Of course, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to asking questions about the coronavirus because so much information is already out there. To help, we’ve short-listed the following questions as the most important ones you may want to ask your family’s healthcare team the next time you start to feel overwhelmed.

Basic questions.

• What are the most common symptoms that I should be on the lookout for?
• I think I’m sick, but it might just be allergies or a cold. Should I get tested just to be safe?
• What symptoms set COVID-19 apart from other common illnesses like the flu?
• What are the most common myths and misconceptions about COVID-19?
• What can I do other than wearing a mask and washing my hands to help stop the spread of the virus?
• Is it okay to travel as long as I know I’m not infected?
• If I think I may be infected with COVID-19, what’s the first step I should take?

 Questions for your child’s doctor.

• Do children show the same symptoms as adults?
• Are children less likely to be infected than adults?
• If I think my child may be showing symptoms of COVID-19, what’s the first step I should take?
• Both my partner and I have become infected with COVID-19. How do we take care of our child without putting them at risk?
• Is there a safe way to schedule playdates during this time?
• What precautions can I take when sending my child to school?
• How do I explain to my child what COVID-19 is and why all these precautions are important in a way that they’ll understand?

 Questions if you have an underlying condition.

• Is it safe to go to in-person medical appointments?
• My medication suppresses my immune system. Should I stop taking it?
• I know that it’s important to start a new treatment for my underlying condition, but is it safe to start right now?
• Does my underlying condition mean I’m at a higher risk of getting infected?
• Is it safe to move forward with my scheduled surgery, or would it be better to postpone it?
• If I do get infected, how will it impact my underlying condition?
• Are telehealth appointments available so that I don’t have to risk exposure at an in-person appointment?
• What should I do if I start to experience symptoms?

We know this doesn’t cover it all. And when it comes to COVID-19, you might feel like you have an endless number of questions. However, we hope these lists help you feel more prepared to get the answers you need from a trusted professional.