Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I get reliable information about COVID-19?
The Dallas County website:
www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/2019-novel-coronavirus.php
The Centers for Disease Control:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
2. I think I might have COVID-19, or I think I might have been exposed to COVID-19. Should I get tested?
Use this Q&A site, developed by the CDC, to help decide if you need testing:
covid19healthbot.cdc.gov/
First, you will assess your exposure: Typically, you are exposed if you spent more than 15 minutes within 6 feet of an infected person, up to 48 hours BEFORE that person developed symptoms (not when they were tested or got their test results back).
Second, you will assess your own symptoms. The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
Fever or feeling feverish (such as chills, sweating)
Cough
Mild or moderate difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Muscle aches or body aches
Vomiting or diarrhea
New loss of taste or smell
Congestion or runny nose
If you work your way through the CDC health bot, you will get an answer.
3. Where can I get tested?
A comprehensive list of testing locations is available on the Dallas County website:
www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/testing-locations.php
There is also a test kit for at home use, without a prescription. It is NOT FDA-approved or cleared, but is authorized for use under an emergency use authorization. It is described here:
www.ellumehealth.com/products/consumer-products/covid-home-test
It was just authorized 12/15/20, and is in limited supply currently. It should cost about $30, but some websites are selling it for $100 or more. Remember toilet paper?
4. I have COVID-19. Should I go to the hospital?
If you have any of the following symptoms you should be evaluated at a hospital:
a. Bluish lips or face
b. Severe and constant pain or pressure in the chest
c. Extreme difficulty breathing (such as gasping for air, being unable to talk without catching your breath, severe wheezing, nostrils flaring)
d. New disorientation (acting confused)
e. Unconscious or very difficult to wake up
f. Slurred speech or difficulty speaking (new or worsening)
g. New or worsening seizures
H. Signs of low blood pressure (too weak to stand, dizziness, lightheaded, feeling cold, pale, clammy skin)
I. Dehydration (dry lips and mouth, not urinating much, sunken eyes)
5. Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine now (the week of 12/14/20)?
Probably not, unless you are a healthcare worker taking care of COVID-19 patients, or live in a nursing home.
6. Once I can get the vaccine, where will I get it?
The first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine have been delivered in Texas. Four sites received 19,500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine Monday morning 12/14. An additional 19 sites received 75,075 doses on Tuesday, 12/15.
In all, Texas was allocated 224,250 doses of vaccine to be shipped to 110 providers across the state in Week 1 of distribution. The focus is on facilities that indicated they will vaccinate at least 975 front-line health care workers since that is the minimum order for the Pfizer vaccine. More vaccine will be available for more providers next week.
The allocation strategy was recommended by the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel in line with its guiding principles and health care workers definition and approved by DSHS Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD. The panel put a priority on health care workers to protect those caring for COVID-19 patients and preserve the health care system’s ability to function.
Week 1 (beginning 12/14/20) COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation in our area (doses received):
Collin County
Medical City McKinney (975)
Medical City Plano (2925)
Dallas County
Scottish Rite (975)
N TX ID Consultants (975)
BUMC (2925)
Med City Dallas (1950)
UTSW (5850)
Methodist Dallas (5850)
Parkland (5850)
BSW Irving (975)
Christus Health Clinic - Irving (1950)
7. Will I need a prescription to get a vaccination?
We don't think you will, but you will need to supply some basic information.
8. Is the vaccine ethical?
Please see the page devoted to this question: COVID Vaccine Ethics
1. Where can I get reliable information about COVID-19?
The Dallas County website:
www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/2019-novel-coronavirus.php
The Centers for Disease Control:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
2. I think I might have COVID-19, or I think I might have been exposed to COVID-19. Should I get tested?
Use this Q&A site, developed by the CDC, to help decide if you need testing:
covid19healthbot.cdc.gov/
First, you will assess your exposure: Typically, you are exposed if you spent more than 15 minutes within 6 feet of an infected person, up to 48 hours BEFORE that person developed symptoms (not when they were tested or got their test results back).
Second, you will assess your own symptoms. The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
Fever or feeling feverish (such as chills, sweating)
Cough
Mild or moderate difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Muscle aches or body aches
Vomiting or diarrhea
New loss of taste or smell
Congestion or runny nose
If you work your way through the CDC health bot, you will get an answer.
3. Where can I get tested?
A comprehensive list of testing locations is available on the Dallas County website:
www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/testing-locations.php
There is also a test kit for at home use, without a prescription. It is NOT FDA-approved or cleared, but is authorized for use under an emergency use authorization. It is described here:
www.ellumehealth.com/products/consumer-products/covid-home-test
It was just authorized 12/15/20, and is in limited supply currently. It should cost about $30, but some websites are selling it for $100 or more. Remember toilet paper?
4. I have COVID-19. Should I go to the hospital?
If you have any of the following symptoms you should be evaluated at a hospital:
a. Bluish lips or face
b. Severe and constant pain or pressure in the chest
c. Extreme difficulty breathing (such as gasping for air, being unable to talk without catching your breath, severe wheezing, nostrils flaring)
d. New disorientation (acting confused)
e. Unconscious or very difficult to wake up
f. Slurred speech or difficulty speaking (new or worsening)
g. New or worsening seizures
H. Signs of low blood pressure (too weak to stand, dizziness, lightheaded, feeling cold, pale, clammy skin)
I. Dehydration (dry lips and mouth, not urinating much, sunken eyes)
5. Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine now (the week of 12/14/20)?
Probably not, unless you are a healthcare worker taking care of COVID-19 patients, or live in a nursing home.
6. Once I can get the vaccine, where will I get it?
The first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine have been delivered in Texas. Four sites received 19,500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine Monday morning 12/14. An additional 19 sites received 75,075 doses on Tuesday, 12/15.
In all, Texas was allocated 224,250 doses of vaccine to be shipped to 110 providers across the state in Week 1 of distribution. The focus is on facilities that indicated they will vaccinate at least 975 front-line health care workers since that is the minimum order for the Pfizer vaccine. More vaccine will be available for more providers next week.
The allocation strategy was recommended by the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel in line with its guiding principles and health care workers definition and approved by DSHS Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD. The panel put a priority on health care workers to protect those caring for COVID-19 patients and preserve the health care system’s ability to function.
Week 1 (beginning 12/14/20) COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation in our area (doses received):
Collin County
Medical City McKinney (975)
Medical City Plano (2925)
Dallas County
Scottish Rite (975)
N TX ID Consultants (975)
BUMC (2925)
Med City Dallas (1950)
UTSW (5850)
Methodist Dallas (5850)
Parkland (5850)
BSW Irving (975)
Christus Health Clinic - Irving (1950)
7. Will I need a prescription to get a vaccination?
We don't think you will, but you will need to supply some basic information.
8. Is the vaccine ethical?
Please see the page devoted to this question: COVID Vaccine Ethics