COVID Update, March 3, 2020

I know everyone is tired of hearing about Coronavirus, but I'm getting lots of questions, so I thought I would share the message I sent to my current patients earlier today.

Coronavirus Facts:
• Newly mutated strain of a common virus
• Spread through respiratory secretions (cough, sneeze, mucous)
• Typically associated with fever and cough
• Varying levels of severity
• Can be severe with shortness of breath, low oxygen levels, and can be fatal
• Worse prognosis in the elderly or those with underlying health conditions

Current geographic areas of high concern:
• China, South Korea, Italy and Iran, followed by Japan and Hong Kong
• Limited, but confirmed community spread in Washington, Oregon and California
• Changing daily, and will almost certainly include other areas soon

Most people in our area are at very low immediate risk for having or contracting the coronavirus. Your risk is based on a combination of symptoms and exposure to high risk places or individuals.
• No Symptoms/No Exposure - Great! Keep it that way – handwashing, limit exposure to large crowds and limit travel, specifically to high risk areas
• Mild Symptoms/No Exposure - Likely not CV. Treat symptoms and stay home. Try to avoid infecting others through handwashing and covering your cough.
• Severe Symptoms/No Exposure - Likely not CV, but need evaluation. Avoid infecting others, contact the office for instructions. May have you come here or go to ER for further evaluation.
• No Symptoms/With Exposure - Contact us, self-quarantine, monitor for fever, avoid potential spread of infection for 14 days
• Symptoms/With Exposure - Contact us, we’ll help guide you to discuss testing and treatment with health department

Most people will fall into the top two categories, so the most important strategies are:
1. Prevent the spread by washing hands and covering your cough
2. Stay home if you have symptoms, treat mild symptoms with over-the-counter medications, or contact us if symptoms are more severe.
3. Stay calm