03/13/2020
🦠 Sooooo, what is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID – 19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 was first detected in China and now has been detected in 60 locations internationally, including the United States.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is characterized by mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. Illness can be more severe for some people and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties.
More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and people with other medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.
People may experience:
🤧runny nose
😦sore throat
😷cough
🤒fever
difficulty breathing (severe cases)
TREATMENT:
There currently isn’t a vaccine against developing COVID-19. Antibiotics are also ineffective because COVID-19 is a viral infection and not bacterial. 🚫💉
If your symptoms are more severe, supportive treatments may be given by your doctor or at a hospital. This type of treatment may involve:
🚰 fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration
🤒💊medication to reduce a fever
🌬supplemental oxygen in more severe cases
People who have a hard time breathing on their own due to COVID-19 may need a respirator, or breathing treatments, and supportive measures decided by a provider such as prednisone, or albuterol inhalers.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS:
Q1: I have heard that the World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak as a global pandemic. What does that mean?
A1: According to the WHO, a pandemic is "an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people." The CDC defines a pandemic as "an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people."
Keep in mind, designating an event as a “pandemic” doesn’t refer to the severity of the disease. Based on current information, the case fatality rate for COVID-19 is higher than that of the typical seasonal flu, but not as high as that of SARS, a similar virus first detected in 2002. There is no reported dramatic change in the characteristics of the COVID-19 virus itself or the disease that it can cause. The pandemic label is more about the widespread nature of a disease that has progressed from something local to something truly global.
Q2: How is COVID-19 spread?
A2: The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. 🤝
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Q3: How do I protect myself?
A3: There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC recommends preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 😷🤧
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. 🧽
🧼Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Q4: What should I do if I believe I am sick with coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A4: Call the office of your primary care provider, local rapid care or emergency department BEFORE YOU ARRIVE!
Tell them about your travel or contact and your symptoms. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested (meet criteria) for COVID-19.
***FYI, recent travel on an aircraft or an area that had a large population of people such as Disneyland, or working at department store with large flow of people does NOT mean you necessarily need testing or that you’ll meet criteria.
If you do meet criteria: Staff will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with others, don’t go out in public and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
☎️ LOCAL COVID-19 HOTLINE:
(209) 536-5166
Q5: Is your local Tuolumne county healthcare team prepared for the Coronavirus?
A5: YES WE ARE. Adventist Health Health is following the CDC guidelines to address patients with infectious diseases, including the coronavirus. Our hospitals are equipped with negative airflow rooms that are required to care for certain infections or viruses including coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition, we hold periodic drills to address these types of scenarios as part of our standard emergency preparedness activities.
Q6: Do we have the supplies needed to handle Coronavirus?
A6: We are working closely with the CDC, and suppliers to ensure we have the appropriate level of supplies to care for patients and protect our staff. At this time, your local Tuolumne county facilities received all allocated supplies to meet current needs.
Folks, while this is serious, there is NO need to panic. Stay informed, but remain calm. Everyone is working tireless to ensure proper management and safety measures are in place to test, evaluate and contain.
🚨If your sick..... STAY HOME.
P.S. you don’t need to purchase surplus toilet paper. 😉
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
