Regarding COVID-19
As concerns arise, we would like to make you aware of the actions implemented by our office to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Plan to Reduce Risk
All scheduled patients and visitors with symptoms of respiratory illness (cough, fever, runny nose, or shortness of breath), are being asked to call the office prior to the appointment to reschedule.
Any patients who have traveled to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Iran, including any affected counties or areas in the United States within the past 14 days, or have been in contact with someone under investigation for, or with a confirmed case of the coronavirus, with fever or symptoms of lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath), please reschedule your appointment.
If our staff notices any signs of illness, we will reschedule the appointment.
Staff will be wiping all doorknobs down in the office (3) times per day with an approved solution that is effective against coronavirus. All other surfaces, exam chairs, etc. will be wiped down immediately after use.
We will continue to follow strict universal precautions and CDC regulations.
Handshaking will cease until further notice.
SYMPTOMS
COVID-19 symptoms are similar to the cold or flu, and may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus. Be vigilant as severe cases may lead to pneumonia, kidney failure or death.
-Mild symptoms may include:
-Fever
-Headache
-Runny Nose & Sneezing
-Cough & Sore Throat
-Difficulty Breathing
-Muscle Pain & Weakness
-Chills & Fatigue
-Impaired Liver & Kidney Function
PREVENTION
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises the following prevention methods:
Wash Hands Frequently: Use soap and water for visibly dirty hands or an alcohol-based hand rub frequently for non-visibly dirty hands.
Practice Respiratory Hygiene: When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Maintain Social Distancing: Maintain at least 3 feet distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever. If you are too close, you can breathe in the virus.
Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose & Mouth: Hands touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.
Seek Medical Care Early: If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and tell your health care provider if you have traveled in an area where the virus has been reported, or if you have been in close contact with someone with who has traveled in an area where the virus has been reported and has respiratory symptoms.
Mild Symptoms: If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within an area where the virus has been reported, still seek medical care and be sure to carefully practice basic respiratory and hand hygiene and stay home until you are recovered, if possible.
Animal Proximity Precautions: Practice general hygiene measures when visiting farms, live animal markets, wet markets, animal product markets or contact with wild animals. Ensure regular hand washing with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products.
Animal Consumption: Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.