What Is the Coronavirus?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Defined by any family (Coronaviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses, it infects birds and many mammals including humans.
This is not the first time a serious viral respiratory illness has made headlines. MERS and SARS are both caused by a coronavirus.
What Are Symptoms of Coronavirus?
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms of the coronavirus and the flu are similar. If you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with the coronavirus or have recently traveled to an area with a widespread coronavirus outbreak, it is best practice to call your doctor.
If you’ve been exposed to coronavirus, symptoms may start showing anywhere from 2-14 days after the initial exposure.
People who are at risk of getting seriously ill are those with heart disease, diabetes, lung disease and older adults.
Who Should I Call If I’m Sick?
Please DO NOT contact us if you feel you have coronavirus. If you think you should get tested, contact your primary healthcare provider and discuss your options with your doctor.
Precautions to Avoid the Coronavirus?
The following are recommendations from the CDC on how you can stay safe.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Be especially mindful to wash your hands after being in a public area, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Avoid Close Contact
Distance yourself or avoid close contact with those who are sick. If you are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill from the virus, this recommendation is especially important.
Stay Home
Staying home and avoiding others is the best practice of not spreading the virus. Only leave your home when it’s necessary to seek medical care. If you need to reschedule your clinic visit, please give us a call.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Another method of covering coughs and sneezes is to use the inside of your elbow. Discard used tissues in the trash. Wash your hands immediately for 20 seconds with soap and water after any contact with your cough or sneeze.
Wear a Facemask
If you are sick, wear a facemask when around other people. This includes when visiting a health clinic or sharing a vehicle. If you are unable to wear a facemask due to breathing trouble or other issues, do your best to cover coughs and sneezes.
Clean and Disinfect
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces DAILY. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
Keeping Our Clinic Clean and Safe for Patients?
We are following best practices for prevention in a clinical setting including strict cleaning and disinfecting protocols following each patient visit as recommended by the CDC. This is to ensure your risk of exposure is significantly decreased during your visit.
This includes:
- Educating our staff on symptoms and prevention of coronavirus
- Encouraging patients to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
- Cleaning and disinfecting rooms after each patient visit
Call Rancho Santa Fe Audiology at (858) 759-8922 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
