McHenry Co. Health Dept. Offers Guidance For Coronavirus

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Health officials in McHenry County are urging those who think they may be sick with the new coronavirus to stay home and avoid contact with others, according to a statement from the McHenry County Department of Health. Most healthy people who contract the virus will only have mild symptoms and so treating the virus much like you would treat a common cold is advised.

If those symptoms become severe or a person experiences shortness of breath they should seek medical attention immediately, health officials said. Also, anyone who has cold symptoms should assume they have COVID-19 and avoid contact with elderly people or those with chronic health problems, said Laura Buthod, medical advisor for the McHenry County Department of Health.

For those with mild symptoms, staying home and away from people, getting rest and staying hydrated, washing your hands and cleaning all common surfaces often is the best choice, Buthod said. If symptoms worse, a healthcare provider who can direction you to where you should be evaluated and decide if testing is needed.

McHenry County Board Chair Jack Franks says slowing the spread of COVID-19 is a top priority.

“The county is supporting its residents and healthcare providers, but there are limits on available tests. We are following Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines to prioritize testing to those most vulnerable in our community” Franks said. “We do not want to overwhelm our healthcare system by sending patients with mild symptoms to doctors’ offices and emergency departments.”Get the latest guidance for school, employers and community preparedness by visiting CDC’s website Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities or by visiting www.mcdh.info. For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.