COVID Patient Care

If you have a dry cough or a sore throat, seek COVID patient care right away. At Laracuente HealthCare Associates, a private medical practice in Hallandale Beach, Florida, Fernando A. Laracuente, EdD, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, NP-C, and his team offer same-day COVID patient care to individuals and families. Call the office to request a COVID patient care consultation or book one online today.

What is COVID patient care?

COVID patient care provides same-day diagnoses and treatment for COVID–19 (the novel coronavirus). COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness discovered in China in late 2019. 

At first, scientists and doctors didn’t know how to treat COVID-19. But thanks to research and scientific advances, we can now limit the most extreme outcomes in many cases.

Who can benefit from COVID patient care?

Make an appointment at Laracuente HealthCare Associates for COVID patient care if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• A cough that gets worse over time
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue

If you have COVID-19, you might also experience gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea.

What happens during a COVID patient care visit?

Dr. Laracuente reviews your charts and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started and if you’ve tried at-home treatments, like taking over-the-counter pain medication or decongestants.

Next, Dr. Laracuente checks your eyes, ears, nose, and throat, listens to your heartbeat and respiratory rate with a stethoscope, and asks you to cough. He also takes your temperature and orders a COVID-19 test.

Dr. Laracuente collects a sample of saliva or mucus from your throat or nose. He sends your sample to a nearby laboratory that analyzes it for the presence of viral proteins.

How is COVID-19 treated?

Treatment of COVID-19 depends on your health and the severity of your symptoms. Often, COVID improves with rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medicine.

If you have a more serious infection, Dr. Laracuente might prescribe antiviral medication or steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation in your lungs. The goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of hospitalization and encourage your body's healing process.

How can I prevent the need for COVID patient care?

There’s no way to prevent the need for COVID patient care entirely, but you can significantly reduce your risk by practicing good hygiene. Dr. Laracuente and the team at Laracuente HealthCare Associates recommend:

• Washing your hands several times daily with soap and warm water
• Get your vaccinations and booster shots
• Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
• Wearing a mask or face-covering in crowded places

You should also avoid large crowds and try to keep six feet of distance between yourself and others in public.

Call Laracuente HealthCare Associates to receive COVID patient care or book an appointment online today.