Telehealth and COVID-19

It is important to protect yourself and your healthcare provider during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Telehealth can help you access your provider without spreading or contracting COVID-19.

I am interested in the COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the virus. Use these resources if you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, where to get one, or how do I book a New York vaccine appointment.

• Talk to your healthcare provider.
• Learn more about the New York State Department of Health's COVID-19 vaccine guidelines
• Have you already received the COVID vaccine and has it been at least six months since you received your last dose? This means you are eligible for a vaccine booster, which can give you extra protection.

I am worried that I have COVID-19

If you have been or think you have been exposed to COVID-19, it is very important to self-isolate. That means staying at home instead of going to work or school and distancing yourself from friends, family, and even the people who live in your home.

To get the treatment you need, follow these steps:

Know your telehealth options.

Many healthcare providers now offer telemedicine services. Contact your provider or health insurance company to ask about your options.

Health centers and on-demand telehealth services are also available to everyone, including those without health insurance.

Before visiting your healthcare provider online

When planning a telemedicine visit to discuss COVID-19, your healthcare provider will need some important information. Before your virtual visit, consider jotting down the following information:

• Your symptoms - what are they and when did they start?
• Your health — any other health conditions you have and how you are managing them during the pandemic.
• Exposure to COVID-19 - if, how, and when you've been exposed
• Your questions — if there is anything specific you want to know about your health or the health of other people in your household?

How Telehealth Helps People with Long-Term COVID

Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, is a method of providing medical care remotely using technology such as video conferencing, remote monitoring devices, and secure messaging. Telehealth has been used during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to provide patient care while minimizing in-person contact.

Telehealth can be especially helpful for people with chronic COVID, a condition where people continue to experience symptoms of COVID-19 for weeks or months after their initial infection. Prolonged COVID can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, chest pain, and cognitive difficulties.

Here are some ways telehealth can help people with long-term COVID:

• Remote monitoring: Telehealth can allow healthcare providers to monitor long-term COVID patients remotely, checking in on their symptoms and vital signs without the need for an in-person visit. can help providers catch any changes or worsening of symptoms early and adjust treatment accordingly.
• Virtual consultations: Telehealth can provide virtual consultations with healthcare providers, allowing long-term COVID sufferers to receive medical advice and treatment recommendations without leaving home. This can be especially helpful for people who don't have the energy or ability to go to the doctor's office.
• Mental health support: Telehealth can also provide mental health support for people with long-term COVID who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges as a result of their condition. Virtual counseling and therapy sessions can be conducted via telehealth, allowing people to get the help they need without leaving home.
• Accessibility: Telehealth can improve access for people with chronic COVID-19 who live in rural or remote areas, or who may have mobility issues that make it difficult to see a doctor. Commuting to the office becomes difficult. Telehealth can also be more flexible and convenient than in-person visits, allowing people to schedule appointments at times that work for them.

Overall, telehealth can be a valuable tool for people with long-term COVID, helping them get the medical care and support they need while minimizing in-person contact. And accessibility can be improved.