Coronavirus Update

Best Practices:

1. Wash your hands – properly and often. Think you already know how to wash your hands effectively? Watch this video to be sure you are doing it right!
2. Use disposable tissues to CATCH and CONTAIN cough and sneezes then discard immediately in a bin after every single use then wash your hands immediately
3. If you don’t have a tissue use your sleeve, then wash your hands and your clothes ASAP
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands, washed or unwashed. On average, we “unwittingly” touch our faces 23 times per hour
5. Avoid close contact with anyone who is unwell

 

Coronavirus: What should you look for to know if you’re infected?

For those who are experiencing fever and/or coughing and present at the hospital or doctor’s office, the lungs may be in a state of 50% =/- of Fibrosis which can be challenging to treat effectively.

 

Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly.

As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, you become progressively more short of breath. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353690

 

Simple 10-Second Symptom Self Check:

A simple daily, self-check routine to follow. This will help you identify any early signs of respiratory issues if you have them.

 

Take a deep breath – hold for a minimum of 10 seconds.

 

If you are able to complete the 10-second process without coughing, discomfort, or tightness in your chest, this would typically indicate your lungs are clear, so you are likely free of infection.

 

If in doubt CALL but DO NOT GO TO a facility, instead CALL a healthcare professional for further evaluation and advice.

 

The Symptoms: May appear 2-14 days after exposure

• Fever (39+C / 103+F)
• Coughing, dry cough
• Shortness of breath – follow the simple symptom self-check above, if you experience problems contact your PCP (Primary Care Physician, Nurse Line or Hospital by PHONE they will advise you what to do next

 

When & How Should You Seek Medical Advice or Treatment?

You should CALL a medical/nurse/hospital help-line DO NOT GO TO a medical office or hospital without calling them first. This will allow them to evaluate and prepare a quarantined area, if necessary, to examine/treat you safely.

If you are below 60 years of age and generally in good health with no other health issues, you should stay home and follow self-quarantine instructions for 14-days. DO NOT SELF DIAGNOSE but DO CALL a healthcare hotline for further evaluation and instructions.

If you are over 60 or have other health concerns, CALL a healthcare professional or hotline for further evaluation and instructions.

What To Do If You Feel Sick:

1. Stay home and call a health care provider or health line to get further instructions.
   Even if your symptoms are mild. Do NOT go to work – you risk contaminating others in public places as you travel.
   Call before but go to a clinic or emergency department if you have more severe symptoms including high fever and shortness of breath – this is an indication your lung function is compromised and needs to be evaluated for treatment.
   If you are instructed to report to a designated medical facility, go alone, do NOT bring children or other family members unless you need assistance. If you do go to a facility for evaluation or treatment, wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth to prevent spreading to those around you.
   Avoid contact with others including family members to reduce the potential for spreading the virus

 

2. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911. Be ready to tell the dispatcher your symptoms and recent travel history or close contact with anyone who may have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19

 

3. Practice meticulous hand hygiene and use a mask, thoroughly clean and disinfect your home paying special attention to “common touch zones” such as doors, door handles, buttons, tabletops, phones, keyboards, even your car doors and steering wheel

 

4. Stay well hydrated – drink plenty of water and consider a vitamin C booster such as EmergenC or Airborne

 

5. Stay calm, most people especially those who were previously healthy will be able to recover at home.

 

So You Think You Know How to Wash Your Hands?

Ask yourself this:

"How well do I wash my hands?" or

"Would I allow a nurse or doctor to treat me (or a loved one) if they washed their hands as I do?"

 

Watch the video below then ask yourself are you using effective handwashing techniques?