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What you need to know about the coronavirus:
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with one another. The virus can be contracted from respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching their face.
According to the CDC, patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In rare cases, severe complications including pneumonia and organ failure can occur. If you are experiencing a fever or respiratory symptoms (nasal congestion, sore throat, cough), please call our office so that we can properly evaluate you.
Unfortunately, the availability of testing is still fairly limited. There is also a shortage of the personal protective equipment required for the collection of specimens. Therefore, we are not currently offering coronavirus testing in the office. Concerned patients can use the CDC Self-Check tool to determine whether they should seek medical care.
If you have flu-like symptoms, we recommend that you utilize healthy steps for treating the flu: fluids, rest, cough medicine, Tylenol, etc., as needed. You should also limit contact with others by staying home and practicing good respiratory and hand hygiene. This includes frequent hand washing, coughing into your elbow, and other steps as listed below. The decision to go to the ER for further evaluation should be based on symptoms that would normally cause you to visit the ER, such as increased shortness of breath or deteriorating health in general.
The guidelines from the CDC and local DOH are changing rapidly and you can find more information here:
You can protect yourself against COVID-19 with these everyday preventive actions:
Get Vaccinated
Vaccines provide significant protection against severe cases of COVID-19.
Wear a Mask
Wearing a mask or face covering in public settings can help slow the spread.
Wash Your Hands
Wash regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid Close Contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick and plan ahead when interacting with large groups.
Practice Good Hygiene
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and regularly clean objects and surfaces.
Avoid Transmission to Others
If you are feeling sick, stay home from work or school and call your health care provider.
