COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

As your healthcare partner, we want to keep you updated about our patient care preparedness as circumstances evolve regarding the outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus). We take this situation very seriously and have been in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state Departments of Health to prepare for the incidence and treatment of the virus. We remain in a high state of readiness to care for you and your families. As always, we are here for you 24/7 via phone, call us with questions or to make an appointment.

Facts about COVID-19 (coronavirus)

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that was first detected in China and which has been detected in 60 locations internationally, including in the United States as of March 2, 2020. On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19.

How the virus can spread

The virus is transmitted mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet) through coughing, sneezing, or by touching. It can also spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touching one’s own mouth, nose and eyes.

Symptoms experienced with COVID-19

The most common symptoms range from mild to severe, may appear 2-14 days after exposure and can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you develop these symptoms and have been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread ongoing community spread of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider as the first step, per the CDC’s recommendation.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19

It’s important to maintain a healthy workplace and environment. CDC always recommends everyday 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.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for healthcare workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• 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.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Get into our clinic for a flu shot – it is not too late to keep from having the flu this year!

Travel Restrictions and Advice

The CDC maintains the most current information about guidance on travel. Currently there are three risk assessment levels of travel for COVID-19.

Level 1 Travel Health Notice: Limited community transmission - use precautions if traveling to Hong

Level 2 Travel Health Notice: Ongoing community transmission – older adults or those who have chronic medical conditions should consider postponing travel to Japan

Level 3 Travel Health Notice: Widespread ongoing transmission – travelers should avoid all nonessential travel to South Korea and Italy. Widespread ongoing transmission and restrictions on entry to the United States – travelers should avoid all nonessential travel to China and Iran and entry of foreign nationals from these destinations has been suspended

Additional information can be found in the  Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Travelers section of the CDC website.

High Risk Individuals

People who are pregnant, on medications that weaken the immune system or are over the age of 60 are at a higher risk of infections and complications from it.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. Prescription medications typically taken for treatment of the flu, like Tamiflu (oseltamivir), are not effective in the treatment of COVID-19. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the virus and is experiencing fever, cough or trouble breathing should contact us immediately.

Our primary concern is the health and safety of our patients, teammates and the communities we serve. Your Activate Healthcare care team is here for you. If you’re experiencing any symptoms related to the flu or COVID-19, call us for guidance on the appropriate course of care.