Many of you have a lot of questions in regards to COVID-19 virus, infection, and pandemic. We would like to address several common questions and concerns:

1. What is COVID 19? Is it “just a flu”?
   COVID 19 is a coronavirus, a type of virus that causes upper/lower respiratory infections, and it specifically references the novel/new strain that we saw emerge in Wuhan, China, in the fall of 2019. It has since spread globally and is now being referred to as a pandemic. Because it is a new, emerging strain, there is still a lot we have to learn about the virus, though there are some things we do know. The incubation period (from time of exposure to time of illness) can be between 2 and 14 days, though the average is 5 days. The virus can live on some surfaces in the right conditions for up to 9 days, though its virulence (ability to infect you) probably goes down over time and differs depending on the type of surface. Symptoms include fever, chills, runny nose, and cough, and if infects the lower respiratory can result in breathing difficulty and/or pneumonia. Children do not appear to get it as easily as adults, though there have been pediatric cases. It’s likely that they experience minor symptoms so therefore aren’t screened as often, leaving the number of cases underreported. Children are NOT impervious to illness and can infect others if they are sick. Those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions are at highest risk for complications to the infection. This includes but is not limited to: patients with HIV/AIDS, Cancer, Asthma, COPD, smokers, and those over the age of 65.
2. What is BFMG doing to prevent COVID 19 in its office?
   First, we are triaging all patients via telephone prior to bringing them into our office so potentially infected persons do not come in and expose our patients and staff. At BFMG we do not currently have the ability to test you for the virus and therefore would not be an appropriate place to receive treatment. As always, all surfaces are being disinfected regularly. Patients presenting with upper respiratory symptoms are immediately being placed in exam rooms with closed doors to eliminate spread within the office. Staff are wearing personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves when appropriate when treating patients who meet certain criteria. If you have symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, please do not walk into our office without an appointment or go to an emergency room- call first.

    

3. What are the symptoms? If I have symptoms, where should I go and what should I do?
   Symptoms are typically mild and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. This is similar to the common cold and flu. MOST patients with COVID 19 do not require hospitalization or treatment unless they experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain/pressure, confusion, or bluish lips or face. If you have been exposed and/or show symptoms of the disease, you should self-isolate for 14 days to prevent the spread of infection. You may treat symptoms with common over-the-counter medications, though please check with our office if you are unsure what you can take safely. Patients who have symptoms, have traveled within the past 14 days, or have been in contact with someone with known COVID 19 infection may contact the health department to be screened at 954-467-4811 or 1-866-779-6121. If you are uninsured, you can contact Memorial Healthcare System Telemedicine for free to be triaged through the end of the month using coupon code MemorialCares. Please do NOT go to the emergency room with low-grade viral symptoms. The emergency room is for people with difficulty breathing. Several companies are working to set up drive-through screening locations at local pharmacies, clinics, and laboratories. More information about where to go will be presented when available.
4. Can I travel or go to events?
   Please exercise common sense. Unnecessary travel should be avoided, and much travel is already limited due to travel bans. You can still go to the store, local restaurants, etc., but it’s probably best to avoid congested crowds, ESPECIALLY if you are immune-compromised. Please do not see the cancellation of events as a bad, anxiety-inducing omen. Instead see them for what they are- public health efforts to slow the spread of disease so the healthcare system is not overwhelmed and is able to help everyone who needs it. Think of it this way: we’re trying to have a controlled burn rather than a wildfire.
5. What is it with the toilet-paper buying?
   In the event you need to self-isolate or quarantine due to known exposure, travel to/from endemic areas, or illness, you may be at home for up to 14 days and should have on hand the things you may need, such as your prescription medications. Floridians- calm down! We do this every year for hurricane season. This is not a stomach flu- you will not need anymore than the normal amount of toilet paper you typically use in a two-week period. Yes, you need basic supplies, but be reasonable and courteous to your neighbors and community.
6. How can I stay healthy and protect my loved ones?
   Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and cover your cough/sneeze. It’s simple but effective. Hand washing with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds is sufficient. Hand sanitizers should only be used when you do not have access to a sink. Excessive use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can leave hands chapped/cracked and actually create an entry for infection. If hands are overly dry, use lotion or Aquaphor. Take care of yourself- get 8 hours of sleep at night and don’t run your system down with unnecessary stress. If you are sick, please stay home from work/school and do not visit family, especially the elderly. I understand Grandma and Grandpa want to see their grandbabies- FaceTime or Skype. And as always, please get information from credible sources such as the Health Department or CDC, not Facebook or your neighbor. Below are direct links. If we all work together, we will be just fine!