Visiting your doctor during this pandemic might be alarming for seniors and people with underlying health issues. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends following these steps to protect yourself and others:

• If you think you have COVID-19, notify the doctor or healthcare provider before your visit and follow their instructions.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when you have to go out in public.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others while inside and in lines.
• When paying, use touch-less payment methods if possible. If you cannot use touch-less payment, sanitize your hands after paying with card, cash, or check. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home.

Many seniors take medications daily and the CDC recommends limiting in-person visits to the pharmacy:

• Plan to order and pick up all your prescriptions at the same time.
• If possible, call prescription orders in ahead of time. Use drive-thru windows, curbside services (wait in your car until the prescription is ready), mail-order, or other delivery services. Do the same for pet medicine.
• Check with your doctor and pharmacist to see if you can get a larger supply of your medicines so you do not have to visit the pharmacy as often.

Whatever your risk level may be, the CDC explains the best way to stop the spread of the virus is to:

• Wash your hands often
• Avoid close contact with others
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around other people from outside your household
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Clean and disinfect
• Monitor your health daily

CLICK HERE for more information from the CDC.