What is COVID – 19? (Corona virus)
Corona viruses have been around for many years, COVID-19 is a new form of a corona virus that affects the lungs in particular. Not all persons who get the corona virus have serious symptoms and it appears to affect children less than adults.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. The attached table will provide guidance when trying to distinguish the difference between coronavirus, flu and allergies.
What should I do if I have symptoms?
Call you doctor if you think you have symptoms, the office staff will ask you questions about the illness and make a decision if you need to be tested, need to be seen in the office or can stay home with additional advise. Many offices are providing care by telehealth, a form of on-line video chat. Insurance companies are covering the cos of these visits during the current emergency situation. The focus is to keep those who are infectious away from others so that the disease does not spread.
Why is social distancing important?
It is not clear if someone may be infectious before actually showing symptoms. Keeping everyone away reduces your chance of being in contact with someone who has the virus and can pass it on to you.
Why is handwashing important?
Regularly washing your hands is the #1 prevention strategy to protecting yourself from catching infections. The virus can be on surfaces for several days so touching surfaces then touching your mouth, eyes or nose introduces the virus into your body. Practice good handwashing techniques at home by following the video
Handwashing
The most important prevention strategy is hand washing. The virus is spread by droplets in the air from sneezing and coughing. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and keep your distance from anyone who is sick.
Teach and encourage hand washing at home. Make it a practice before preparing food, after going to the bathroom, before/after eating, after touching a pet.
It is good practice to review the handwashing video: HANDWASHING
Can I use hand sanitizers?
Hand sanitizers must have at least 60% alcohol to be effective for disinfecting. Sanitizers do not clean grime or mud that may be on your hands. The high alcohol content dries your skin, causing cracks which are then open to infection. Washing hands with soap and water is always best.
If you are sick – stay home, rest and treat the symptoms with over the counter medication. The World Health Organization recommends use of Tylenol to reduce fever, NOT Ibuprofen. Protect others around you by keeping your distance. Use a different bathroom from everyone else, if possible. Wipe down surfaces regularly.
Stay informed through reliable sources.