A MESSAGE ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) FROM Dr. T
Since the first cases of the novel coronavirus were reported in Wuhan, China, Priority Pediatrics PC has been monitoring information from colleagues and the Centers for Disease Control and Georgia Department of Public Health. Dr. T is ready to provide the best care for any child in his practice who requires a house call for illness.
We are dedicated to ensuring you have access to the latest information and guidance to help you stay healthy. Please be aware that the situation is fluid, and recommendations are subject to change. The following are some things to know about COVID-19.
How does COVID-19 spread?
We believe it has a lot in common with how the flu and many other respiratory infections spread:
- When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they send droplets into the air.
- People nearby (within about six feet) can breathe in these droplets and become infected.
- It is also possible that the virus can briefly live on surfaces. If that happens, then touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes could lead to infection.
How can I protect myself and my family?
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer made with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently used areas.
- Encourage good health habits by your children
What do I do if I or my kids have symptoms or have been exposed?
If you think you have COVID-19, the best thing to do is stay home and isolate yourself. Always call your health professional before going to the office or requesting a house call. Avoid going to an emergency room unless you have symptoms like:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Persistent high fevers
- Worsening symptoms after you initially started to feel better
Your health professional will determine if you need to be tested. At the present time there is no rapid bedside COVID-19 test. Testing is most important if you have symptoms of a fever or respiratory infection, and one of the following:
- Are sick enough to need to be in a hospital.
- Have risk factors for a more severe infection, like heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, or a compromised immune system.
- Work or live in a communal setting (e.g. a hospital, daycare, college dorm, or nursing home).
What are we doing to protect you?
We will wear protective equipment when taking care of your children so that we do not spread infections with others. Because the virus may survive on surfaces for some time, we wipe down commonly equipment several times a day with disinfectants. Plus, when possible, we ask that you avoid bringing outside family members to appointments in your home as it can increase exposure. We will continue to monitor Federal, State and local officials to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
Please bookmark this site and check it for the most up-to-date information on screening and other questions.
Thank you for trusting Priority Pediatrics with your children's health care needs.
Sincerely,
Marc A Tanenbaum, MD, FAAP
CDC Recommends No Gatherings With 50 People Or More Take Place For Next Eight Weeks To Slow Spread Of Coronavirus. CNN (3/15) reports, “The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday recommended that no gatherings with 50 people or more take place for the next eight weeks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.” The CDC “said these gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings and other types of assemblies.”
A Message from Jonathan S. Lewin, MD, FACR, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Emory University to All Emory Health Professionals and to Metro Atlanta Citizens
https://player.vimeo.com/video/398104102?autoplay=1
President Trump Urges People To Avoid “Discretionary” Travel And Gatherings With 10 Or More People. STAT (3/16) reports President Trump said, “My administration is recommending that all Americans, including the young and healthy, work to engage in schooling from home when possible, avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people, avoid discretionary travel, and avoid eating and drinking at bars, restaurants and public food courts.” The article adds that many states and local governments have “already banned public gatherings and shuttered schools, restaurants, and bars,” and “public health officials have uniformly urged residents to practice social distancing – all in an effort to slow the rate of new infections and ensure the nation’s health care system maintains capacity to care for the severely ill.”
Singing Steps Of Good Handwashing Technique To Popular Nursery Rhyme May Help Teach Kids Hand Hygiene, Researchers Say
Reuters (1/1) reports, “Singing the steps of good handwashing technique to the tune of a popular nursery rhyme may help young children learn the process and fend off common infections picked up in school,” researchers concluded after adapting “the tune of the song Brother John, also known as Frere Jacques [see below], replacing its lyrics with a six-step handwash practice prescribed by World Health Organization.” Then, “to test whether the routine would be effective in removing germs,” investigators “applied fluorescent markings on the hands of the children, who were between six and nine years old, before they washed with soap and water while singing the song.” This routine resulted in “a significant reduction in the markings, according to” findings published online in The BMJ.
“Scrub your palms, between the fingers
Wash the back (one hand), wash the back (other hand)
Twirl the tips (one hand) around (other hand)
Scrub them upside down
Thumb attack (one thumb)! Thumb attack (other thumb)!”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Updated 3/14/20
What is novel coronavirus?
The 2019 novel coronavirus disease is a new type of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. The name of this disease is abbreviated as COVID-19. It is part of the family of viruses that cause the common cold and results in a range of flu-like symptoms.
How can I prevent the spread of infection?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Alcohol-based hand rubs are a quick and effective way to sanitize your hands Avoid close contact with sick people
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your cough or sneeze with disposable tissue
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Who’s most at risk for contracting COVID-19?
Certain people, including those over 60 and with underlying health care conditions, like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer, have increased risk of developing the disease. However, most people who contract the virus will come down with only a mild case of the illness and will recover.
What should I do if I am sick?
If you or your children develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known or suspected to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled to an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19, please call your health care provider before going to a clinic or provider’s office. If you are having chest pain, serious difficulty breathing, or another type of medical emergency, please call 911 or seek care at your local emergency department.
What additional resources are available?
Below are links to several resources. We will continue to provide updates as more details become available.