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All About Hearing Tests

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 05:06:29 GMT

Hearing loss often develops gradually. A worker may not notice a small change from one year to the next, especially when the change affects only certain pitches. Hearing tests provide an objective way to measure hearing ability and track whether it changes over time.

These evaluations are especially important for employees who regularly work around loud machinery, tools, engines, or other sources of occupational noise. A hearing test can establish a baseline, support an employer’s hearing conservation program, and help identify changes that deserve follow-up.

What Is an Audiogram?

An audiogram is the record created during an audiometric hearing test. It shows the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies, which are commonly described as pitches. Each ear is tested separately because hearing ability may not be the same on both sides.

The results are displayed on a chart. Lower thresholds generally indicate that softer sounds were detected, while higher thresholds may reflect some degree of hearing difficulty. A trained professional reviews the pattern and determines whether the results are within an expected range or should receive further evaluation.

Why Are Hearing Tests Required for Some Jobs?

Employees in manufacturing, construction, transportation, oil and gas, and similar fields may encounter enough noise to put their hearing at risk. Hearing protection is important, but employers may also need a formal program to monitor exposure and track employee hearing.

Under OSHA’s occupational noise exposure standard, employers must make audiometric testing available to workers whose noise exposure equals or exceeds an eight-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels. Testing is provided at no cost to covered employees. Requirements may differ based on the industry and applicable regulations.

A baseline audiogram creates a starting point for comparison. Later tests help determine whether hearing thresholds have shifted. This does not automatically establish why a change occurred, but it gives the employer and reviewing professional the information needed to determine the appropriate response.

What Happens During a Hearing Test?

The test usually takes place in a booth or another space designed to limit background noise. You will wear headphones or earphones and listen for a series of tones. Some will be easy to hear, while others will be very faint.

Each time you hear a sound, you will press a button, raise your hand, or provide another signal. There are no right or wrong answers. The goal is simply to respond whenever you detect the tone, even when it is barely audible.

The test is noninvasive and should not hurt. It typically checks several frequencies in both ears. Once testing is complete, the results are recorded on the audiogram and may be compared with earlier tests when those records are available.

How Should You Prepare?

Follow any instructions provided by your employer or testing clinic. For a baseline audiogram completed under OSHA’s hearing conservation requirements, the ears generally need to be free from workplace noise for at least 14 hours beforehand. Hearing protectors may sometimes be used to meet that requirement.

Before the appointment, tell the testing professional if you have recently experienced an ear infection, ringing in your ears, dizziness, or a sudden change in hearing. You should also mention hearing aids and any medications that may be relevant. These details provide useful context when your results are reviewed.

What Happens If Your Results Change?

A change on an audiogram does not always mean you have permanent work-related hearing loss. Temporary noise exposure, ear blockage, illness, or testing conditions can affect the results. Depending on the findings, repeat testing or evaluation by an audiologist, physician, or another qualified professional may be recommended.

Employers may also need to review workplace noise controls and confirm that hearing protection fits correctly. Employees should continue using required protection and follow any recommendations they receive.

Schedule Occupational Hearing Testing With WellNow Health

WellNow Health provides audiograms and occupational testing for employers and employees in Dickinson, Galveston, and surrounding Texas communities. Our team can help businesses monitor workforce health while supporting clear documentation and regulatory compliance. Contact WellNow Health today to schedule a hearing test or discuss an occupational testing program designed around your workplace needs.

What Is a Virtual Workers’ Compensation Visit Like?

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:58:41 GMT

When you are injured at work, traveling to a clinic can add another complication to an already difficult time. A virtual workers’ compensation visit gives you a way to speak with an occupational healthcare provider from the comfort of your home. Although the appointment takes place remotely, it is still a structured medical visit focused on evaluating your condition and determining the appropriate next step.

Virtual care can be useful for some initial injury evaluations, follow-up appointments, and return-to-work discussions. Understanding what to expect can help you arrive prepared and make the most of your time with the provider.

What Can a Virtual Visit Address?

Workers’ compensation telemedicine may be appropriate for minor injuries or job-related illnesses that do not require immediate hands-on care. It can also help a provider check your progress after an earlier evaluation. WellNow Health uses virtual visits for services such as workers’ compensation tele-evaluations, OSHA recordability assessments, and return-to-work consultations.

Telemedicine is not the right setting for every condition. Suspected fractures may require X-rays, while deep wounds might need in-person treatment. Severe bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, or a serious head or spinal injury calls for emergency care rather than a routine virtual appointment.

How Do You Prepare for the Appointment?

Before your appointment, find a quiet and well-lit location where you can speak privately. Use a phone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and a reliable internet connection. Wear clothing that can be moved to allow the injured area to be seen.

You may also want to have the following information nearby:

The date, time, and location of the incident
A clear description of how the injury occurred
Your current symptoms and any changes since the incident
Medications or home treatments you have tried
Employer, claim, or case manager information provided to you

Follow any instructions from your employer or the clinic about forms and authorization. Having these details ready can make the visit more efficient.

What Happens During a Virtual Workers’ Compensation Visit?

The provider will begin by asking how the injury happened and which tasks you were performing at the time. You will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and whether the condition is improving or getting worse.

A virtual physical examination may follow. Depending on the injury, the provider might ask you to show the affected area on camera, move a joint, walk a few steps, or describe where you feel tenderness. Never perform a movement that feels unsafe or causes significant pain. Tell the provider clearly what you can and cannot do.

The provider will use this information to recommend a care plan. That may include home-care instructions, work restrictions, medication guidance, a follow-up appointment, or referral for in-person testing. If the remote examination does not provide enough information, you may be directed to a clinic or specialist.

What Happens After the Visit?

A workers’ compensation appointment involves more than medical advice. Employers and claims professionals may need documentation related to the diagnosis, work status, restrictions, and follow-up plan. WellNow Health coordinates with case managers, HR teams, and safety officers to help keep the process moving.

Follow the provider’s instructions closely and attend any recommended in-person appointments. Contact the clinic if your symptoms worsen or new concerns develop. Do not resume tasks outside your restrictions simply because you begin to feel better; your work status should be updated by the appropriate medical provider.

Schedule a Virtual Visit With WellNow Health

WellNow Health provides occupational telemedicine for work-related injury evaluations, follow-up care, and return-to-work consultations. Our team combines convenient access with the communication and documentation employers rely on throughout the workers’ compensation process. If you need help managing a workplace injury in Dickinson, Galveston, or the surrounding Texas area, contact WellNow Health today to schedule a virtual visit and receive guidance on your next step.

What Work Injuries Commonly Need an X-Ray?

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:50:49 GMT

A workplace injury can happen in seconds, but figuring out how serious it is may take a closer look. Pain and swelling do not always reveal whether a bone is fractured or a joint has been damaged. In these situations, a healthcare provider may order an X-ray to better understand the injury and choose an appropriate treatment plan.

Not every strain, bruise, or sore joint needs imaging. The decision depends on how the injury occurred, your symptoms, and what the provider finds during an examination.

What Can an X-Ray Reveal?

X-rays are primarily used to examine bones and joints. They can help identify fractures, changes in joint alignment, and certain foreign objects embedded in tissue. Images can also show where a break is located and whether the bone has moved out of position.

However, an X-ray does not provide a detailed view of every injury. Damage involving muscles, tendons, or ligaments may require a different type of imaging. A provider will consider your symptoms and physical examination before deciding whether an X-ray is the right first step. The American College of Radiology maintains evidence-based criteria to help healthcare professionals select appropriate imaging.

Work Injuries That May Need an X-Ray

Falls are one of the most common reasons an injured employee may need imaging. Landing on a hand can injure the wrist, while falling from a ladder may affect the ankle, shoulder, or another joint. Even a ground-level fall can cause a fracture when the force is concentrated in one area.

Other work injuries that frequently lead to an X-ray evaluation include:

Hands or feet struck by tools, equipment, or falling materials
Fingers caught between objects or crushed by machinery
Twisted ankles accompanied by severe pain or difficulty bearing weight
Shoulder, elbow, or knee injuries with a possible dislocation
Cuts that may contain metal, glass, or another visible foreign object
Chest injuries caused by a fall or direct impact

Back and neck injuries require careful evaluation. Depending on the location and severity of the trauma, a provider may recommend an X-ray or a different imaging test. Injuries involving significant trauma, neurological symptoms, or possible head or spinal damage may require emergency care.

Signs That Imaging May Be Appropriate

You cannot confirm a fracture based on symptoms alone, but certain warning signs make an X-ray more likely. These include visible deformity, severe swelling, focused tenderness over a bone, or an inability to use the injured body part normally. Pain that remains intense or worsens after the initial injury should also be evaluated.

Seek prompt emergency assistance for an exposed bone, heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, loss of feeling, or a body part that appears pale or cold. The same applies to serious head, neck, or back trauma. These situations need a higher level of immediate care and should not wait for a standard occupational health appointment.

Why Prompt Evaluation Matters After an Injury

Trying to work through a possible fracture can make the injury worse and delay recovery. A timely assessment can help determine whether you need immobilization, activity restrictions, specialist care, or another treatment. It also creates medical documentation of the incident and your condition, which can be important during a workers’ compensation claim.

Employees should report job-related injuries according to their employer’s procedures, even when the problem initially seems minor. Employers benefit from directing workers to an occupational health provider that understands both clinical care and workplace documentation.

Turn to WellNow Health for Workplace Injury Care

WellNow Health provides workers’ compensation services with an emphasis on injury diagnosis, clear communication, and helping employees return to work safely. Our team can evaluate the injury, determine whether imaging or specialty care may be needed, and provide the documentation employers rely on. If you or an employee has been hurt at work in Dickinson, Galveston, or a surrounding Texas community, contact WellNow Health today to arrange an evaluation and take the next step toward recovery.

How to Know If You Need a FIT Test for Work

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:43:45 GMT

A respirator can only protect you when it seals correctly against your face. That is why many employees must complete a respirator FIT test before working around dust, fumes, chemicals, infectious particles, or other airborne hazards. The test confirms that a specific make, model, style, and size of tight-fitting respirator fits the person who will wear it.

If your employer has mentioned respiratory protection, you are starting a new position, or your job duties have changed, it is worth finding out whether FIT testing is part of your workplace requirements.

What Does a Respirator FIT Test Check?

A FIT test evaluates the seal between a tight-fitting respirator and your face. It is different from simply trying on a mask or performing a quick user seal check before a shift.

Testing may be qualitative or quantitative. A qualitative test produces a pass-or-fail result based on whether you can detect a test substance while wearing the respirator. A quantitative test uses specialized equipment to measure leakage and generate a numerical result. The appropriate method depends on the respirator and the level of protection required. OSHA recognizes both testing methods.

Which Jobs Commonly Require FIT Testing?

FIT testing is generally based on workplace exposure rather than job title. It may be required for:

Healthcare workers exposed to airborne illnesses
Construction workers handling silica or asbestos
Painters working around chemical vapors
Welders exposed to hazardous fumes
Industrial and manufacturing employees
Emergency responders
Laboratory personnel
Oil and gas workers

Requirements can vary even within the same industry. If your job requires a tight-fitting disposable mask, half-mask respirator, or full-face respirator, you will likely need a FIT test. Under OSHA guidelines, employees must also receive a medical evaluation before testing or using the required respirator.

When Do You Need Another FIT Test?

Passing once does not provide permanent clearance. OSHA requires FIT testing at least annually for employees who must wear tight-fitting respirators. You also need to be tested again before using a different respirator facepiece, including a change in its make, model, style, or size.

Additional testing may be necessary when a physical change could affect the seal. Examples include a significant change in weight, major dental work, facial surgery, or scarring near the sealing surface. You should also speak up if the respirator suddenly feels uncomfortable or no longer seems to fit as it did during your test.

How Should You Prepare for Your Appointment?

Bring the respirator information supplied by your employer, along with any paperwork or authorization you were given. Because facial hair that crosses the sealing area can prevent a tight fit, you may need to be clean-shaven where the respirator contacts your face. Ask your employer or testing provider for specific preparation instructions before arriving.

During the appointment, you may be asked to perform several simple movements while wearing the respirator. These can include turning your head, speaking, and breathing normally. The goal is to make sure the seal remains effective during motions similar to those you may make at work.

Schedule Occupational FIT Testing With WellNow Health

A proper FIT test supports workplace compliance, but more importantly, it helps confirm that your assigned respirator can provide the protection you depend on. WellNow Health offers occupational testing and workplace health services for employees and employers in Dickinson, Galveston, and surrounding Texas communities. Contact WellNow Health today to ask about FIT testing and schedule your appointment!

Why Caregivers of Young Children Should Get a Flu Shot

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 13:29:14 GMT

Flu vaccinations help your body fight off the flu. Getting a flu shot allows your body to develop antibodies by introducing a weakened or dead flu virus cell into your body. Your immune system then works to develop antibodies to ward off the weakened or dead flu cells. This allows you to develop antibodies without feeling dramatically affected by the virus.

Vaccinating yourself and your children helps reduce the likelihood of developing the flu, since you already have antibodies to kill any flu cells that enter your body. It also reduces the chances that you can spread flu to others since your body can handle the flu virus much more effectively and quickly. In the event that you do catch the flu, your symptoms will likely be much less severe than if you had not received the flu shot.

Protect the Young Children in Your Care

Children younger than five years, especially those under the age of two, do not have fully developed immune systems. They are therefore at a higher risk of developing flu-related complications if they get sick. Every year, thousands of babies are hospitalized or go to an urgent care center because of flu-related complications. According to the CDC, children may experience the following flu-related complications:

Dehydration
Brain Dysfunction
Sinus Problems
Ear Infections
Worsening of Long-Term Medical Conditions like Asthma
Pneumonia

The CDC advises that children older than six months should receive a flu vaccine every year to reduce their risk of developing flu illness, as well as complications that can lead to hospitalization or worse. If you care for a young child, you can protect them further by getting the vaccine yourself. You can also take everyday preventive actions by avoiding contact with sick people as much as possible, regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that you frequently touch, and washing your hands often.

If you do happen to get sick with the flu, avoid contact with the young children in your care as much as possible. If it's not possible to completely avoid contact, take precautions to minimize risk. Remember that the flu spreads through droplets when you sneeze, cough, or talk. It's also possible to spread the flu if someone touches a surface that has flu virus on it and then touches their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Before engaging in any activity that takes you within six feet of the child in your care, wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Cover your nose when sneezing or coughing and dispose of it immediately.

Your health care provider can offer more information on flu prevention, vaccination, and management. If you care for young children, consult a professional to learn about the steps you can take to minimize risk, including getting your yearly flu shot.

Contact Our Urgent Care Center Today!

Do you take care of young children under the age of five? If so, consider getting your annual flu vaccine to protect them from potentially deadly flu-related complications. A flu vaccine is a simple but effective measure to guard against the flu. Protecting yourself with the vaccine reduces the likelihood you will contract the virus and spread it to other, more vulnerable people. Even if you do not care for young children, you still should get the seasonal flu vaccine because of the protection it provides to you and everyone you encounter.

WellNow Health offers vaccinations for the flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses at our facility serving the Houston and Dickinson, TX area. Contact us today to schedule your flu shot appointment!

What's Included in a DOT Physical?

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 19:21:18 GMT

Learn More About DOT Physical Examinations

The Department of Transportation requires that all their professional drivers remain fit and capable of operating commercial vehicles. While many employers call for their employees to undergo a standard physical, the Department of Transportation has developed a specific exam to ensure the safety of their staff members, their passengers, and the motorists they encounter along the way.

Fortunately, with the assistance of WellNow Health, you've got nothing to worry about. All you have to do is browse the following section to learn about the various tests and elements that comprise DOT physical examinations. With just a bit of research, you'll be fully prepared to get back on the road again.

Explore the Distinct Elements of DOT Physicals

Detailed Health History

Patients are asked to complete a form that details various health information. You may complete this form prior to your DOT exam, and bring it to your selected medical office.

Current Medications
Past Surgeries
Alcohol & Tobacco Use
Current Health Symptoms & Medical Conditions

Physical Examination Elements

You will undergo a series of physical exams to ensure that you're capable of handling all workplace tasks. These exams include the following:

Hearing Exam
Vision Exam
Blood Pressure Test
Various Health Indicators

Urinalysis Examination

In order to pass your DOT physical examination, you'll be required to take a urinalysis exam, which provides insight into blood sugar levels and other health indicators. The urinalysis is also used to screen for drug use.

Contact our Certified Team to Schedule Company Physicals

At WellNow Health, we've made it simple to schedule DOT physical examinations . All you have to do is contact one of our knowledgeable representatives to request an upcoming appointment. It's truly never been easier for local drivers to get back behind the wheel again. Once we determine that you're healthy enough to safely operate a commercial vehicle, you won't have to wait long to receive the necessary paperwork requested by your employer.

Seasonal Allergies Vs. COVID Symptoms

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 15:30:57 GMT

DO I NEED A COVID TEST?

If you have signs or symptoms of COVID-19 it is best to contact a medical professional and set-up an on-site COVID-19 test. However, coronavirus and seasonal allergies share many comparable symptoms, and it is important to distinguish between the two. Seasonal allergies are immune system responses to airborne allergens, such as pollen or dander.

Common Symptoms of Both

Cough
Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
Fatigue
Headache
Sore Throat
Congestion or Runny Nose

Symptoms Distinguishable to COVID

Fever & Chills
Muscle & Body Aches
Loss of Taste or Smell
Nausea or Vomiting
Diarrhea

Symptoms Distinguishable to Seasonal Allergies

Sneezing
Itchy or Watery Eyes

Prior History

Those individuals with seasonal allergies tend to have a history and timeline of when seasonal allergies can become triggered within their immune system. Allergy symptoms typically react to specific allergy medications and can be used to rule out coronavirus. Emerson Hospital created an allergy, cold, flu, or coronavirus symptoms checklist that can help individuals self-diagnose while waiting to connect with a medical professional.

CONTACT OUR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS FOR A COVID TEST TODAY!

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined above, it is imperative you connect with our medical staff today . The team at WellNow Health can assist in-person at our offices, or through an online doctor visit. The staff of certified medical professionals at WellNow pride themselves on creating a positive environment for our patients.

With our office in Dickinson, TX, WellNow Health is conveniently positioned to assist with all your urgent care needs. We offer on-site COVID testing and a full complement of virtual urgent care services. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services!

Flu Symptoms Vs. COVID Symptoms

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 17:56:29 GMT

EXPLORING THE DIFFERENCES IN FLU & COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE VIRAL SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO YOUR ON-SITE COVID TEST

From that outset, we’ve known that COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory illnesses that spread from person to person. Both illnesses commonly cause a high fever, along with headaches, body aches, fatigue, and nausea. As the COVID-19 pandemic has stretched on, however, we’ve continued to uncover all sorts of differences between these viral threats.

Be sure to browse the following sections to gain a greater understanding of the symptoms of these distinct illnesses. If you have any further questions, be sure to contact a healthcare professional . At WellNow Health, our team is always available to help you safely navigate these trying times.

SYMPTOM ONSET

As opposed to COVID-19, the flu often comes on suddenly. In fact, flu symptoms will generally appear anywhere from one to four days after infection. COVID-19 symptoms, on the other hand, commonly start to show themselves five days after infection. In extreme cases, COVID symptoms won’t surface for roughly 14 days.

COUGH SEVERITY

Flu sufferers usually experience a mild, dry cough. Those infected with the COVID-19 virus suffer a more severe cough that’s dry, persistent, and may leave you short of breath.

UNIQUE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

Each of the following symptoms are common among COVID-19 sufferers, while standard flu sufferers rarely encounter these issues:

Shortness of Breath
Breathing Difficulty
Stuffy Nose
Sore Throat
Consistent Shaking & Chills
Sudden Loss of Taste & Smell

IF YOU'RE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS,

SCHEDULE YOUR VIRTUAL VISIT NOW

No matter the precise nature of your current symptoms, it’s imperative that you seek our medical assistance. Fortunately, the certified staff members at WellNow Health are always standing by to lend a helping hand. Simply schedule an online doctor visit if you’re suffering from COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms. We offer a full suite of virtual urgent care services to ensure our patients access contemporary treatment options from the safety of their own homes.

As always, our local facilities are offering on-site COVID testing in addition to our urgent care telemedicine visits. We’re proud to treat patients throughout the Dickinson and Houston, TX communities. Explore our site today and remain healthy throughout this winter season!

Should I Still Get a Flu Shot during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 21:04:16 GMT

When you get the flu shot, not only are you protecting yourself, but you are protecting others from getting the flu. This year, it's especially important to get the flu shot as we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The flu and COVID-19 are similar in that they are both respiratory illnesses. However, they are very different illnesses. The flu shot will not protect you from contracting COVID-19 , but it will help reduce your chances of getting the flu, ending up in the hospital, and needing to be hospitalized. Hospitals already have a lack of medical supplies due to the COVID-19 pandemic and if we all do our part to protect ourselves from the flu, we can help reduce the strain on health care facilities and conserve already limited supplies.

There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about the flu shot and it's important to clear these up. Many people believe they will be more at risk of contracting COVID-19 if they get the flu shot. This is not true since both illnesses are different and one illness does not make you susceptible to contracting the other. On the other hand, many people think getting the flu shot will help reduce their chances of getting COVID-19. This is also incorrect as each illness behaves differently.

When Should You Get a Flu Shot

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and above, as long as you don't have various health issues, should get their flu shot. Flu shots take about two weeks to fully get into your system and begin working, so it is important to get yours before the flu season starts. Getting your flu shot in September or no later than the end of October puts you in a good position. Currently, there are no shortages on the flu shot, but you should not wait to get yours. COVID-19 vaccinations are not available yet.

Get Your Flu Shot Today

If you are visiting WellNow, serving the Dickinson and Houston, TX areas, for other services such as DOT physical examinations , urgent care services, occupational testing , or other services , ask about getting your flu shot! Do your part to protect you, your family, and your community.

We are also offering COVID tests . If you have reason to believe you have contracted the coronavirus, contact us for more information about our on-site COVID-19 test.

How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Workplace

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 14:39:23 GMT

The coronavirus has been sweeping the nation and the news since late last year and for good reason. More than 93,000 cases have been recorded and more than 3,200 deaths attributed to the disease globally.

As of today, officials in the United States have confirmed nine deaths and more than 100 cases.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some people may experience aches, pains, nasal congestion, a runny nose, a sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

How to Stay Healthy at Work

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly - Washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) can kill viruses that may be on your hands.

When washing your hands with soap and water, be sure to wash for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes you to sing ‘happy birthday’ twice). Do so especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Maintain your distance from someone who is coughing or sneezing - When someone coughs or sneezes, they release small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you may breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. Maintain a distance of at least 3 feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Try to avoid touching your face - Your hands touch many surfaces and can easily pick up viruses. Once your hands have been contaminated, the virus can be transferred to your eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can then enter your body and make you sick.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask - If you are healthy, wearing a facemask is not recommended. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

The Latest Updates

The outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020.
Almost 130 people in 16 states are infected. At least nine people have died of the COVID-19 disease in the U.S., all of them in Washington state and most of them from a single nursing home in the Seattle area.
The Trump administration vowed that any American can now be tested for the virus if a doctor deems it necessary.
There are at least 100 confirmed cases in the country, along with nine deaths, but some experts have suggested that the real number may be considerably higher if testing is expanded.
The American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) has compiled a list of products that have been pre-approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against viral pathogens and can be used for the COVID-19 outbreak – here is the list .

You can stay up-to-date on COVID-19 by visiting the WHO and CDC websites. If you are concerned that you may have contracte d COVID-19 or are showing flu symptoms, please contact our immediate care facility in Dickinson as soon as possible. Please be advised, you should stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, call us prior to visiting or seeking urgent care. We also offer online doctor visits and on-site COVID-19 testing .