Preventing The Coronavirus

Isolating COVID-19.

While most sources expect more cases of the Coronavirus in the United States, your doctors are NOT panicking about COVID-19. Here at [backfit], we feel that we must address this latest epidemic with you our patients, both in Arizona and in our new locations in North Carolina and South Carolina.

As of March 3rd, 2020, ABC15 is reporting in AZ and WXIII is reporting in NC that there are only a handful of cases and all of those patients are in isolation. At least 1 has recovered fully in AZ. The CDC is reporting no current cases in SC.

What is the Coronavirus?

The Coronavirus is similar to a cold virus, and it’s easy to test for. We feel your anxiety, but we know more about COVID-19 than we don’t know.

It acts very similar to a cold with symptoms you’ll easily recognize:

• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent pain
• Pressure in the chest

While official sources are reporting that COVID-19 is acting differently than a regular cold and that there is no vaccine, anti-viral, or medicine for COVID-19, we know very well how it spreads, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.

How does Coronavirus spread?

The Coronavirus spreads similarly to the cold. You have probably heard or read the term that it is spreading by community transmission. That is not the case in AZ or NC as the infected individuals have all been isolated.

So far, it is known that it is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids, especially mucus droplets from sneezing and coughing. While it usually spreads person-to-person, it can also be captured on surfaces but only for a short window. It usually dies on surfaces within hours or, at most, a few days.

Preventing the Coronavirus

Preventing getting sick from the Coronavirus is very easy. Just like a cold, the CDC recommends:

• Avoid contact with people that are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Alternatively, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with a tissue, throw the tissue away immediately, and wash your hands.
• Disinfect frequently used surfaces and objects.
• Stay home if you are sick.

The CDC nor BackFit recommends using a face mask unless you are already sick. When you use a face mask when you are NOT sick, you are MORE at risk to contract diseases. This is because you are more likely to touch your face when you are wearing one. It is better to avoid the ill and wash your hands more often than to use a face mask.

There is also a shortage of face masks right now due to over-buying. Please leave face masks to those that are already sick and the medical professionals treating them.

How are they treating the Coronavirus?

If you do contract COVID-19, medical professionals are treating it very similar to a cold. For most of us, if we contract a cold, our natural immune system will take care of it at home.

However, if you’re concerned:

• Call your doctor before going in.
• Stay home, especially if you’re older.
• Drink a lot of fluids.
• Rest.

Some of the more vulnerable among us, like the very old, may experience more severe illness, such as pneumonia or asthma. In some cases, patients are being isolated in emergency care rather than at home to assist in hydration and respiratory issues.

You should also note the CDC is reporting that children, including the very young, are no more susceptible to COVID-19 than adults and are actually resisting it better. They should still take the same preventative measures.

If you’re reading this, we’re sure you’ve been watching the news for updates from China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, and the Diamond/Grand Princess cruise ship, as well as closer to home, such as the cases in California, Washington, and fears over the economy. But [backfit] will not be closing any time soon.

If you are concerned if you should come see us for your regular medical visits during this time, give us a call at (877) 222-5348.