A message from Caremount.
As we are sure you know, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has arrived in the New York metropolitan area. The number of confirmed cases is almost certain to rise in our region over the next several weeks as verified testing becomes more available. At this time no physician offices have the ability to test for COVID-19. The test can only be done by NYS and CDC. For more information visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/. With this in mind we would like to communicate to our community some curated facts as they are known at the moment to help educate and coordinate care.
First, the overall risk of serious illness from COVID-19 is low. Most patients who are infected will have mild upper respiratory symptoms including fever, nasal congestion and cough. A minority of patients can however develop pneumonia and some of these will require hospitalization. A small proportion of these patients will sadly have a fatal case. Those at greatest risk for this are our elderly and those with chronic medical conditions such as COPD, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Parents – it is natural to worry for our young ones, but so far the data appears to show that the overwhelming majority of children have a mild upper respiratory illness, or no illness at all from this virus.
Since the illness is predominantly spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, it is imperative that we all practice vigilant proper hygiene. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Cover coughs and sneezes with the crook of your arm. Importantly, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Teach your children proper hygiene practices as well. Forgo shaking hands with people this winter – they will understand.
If you develop flu-like symptoms and are not short of breath, the best thing you can do for yourself and your community is stay home. You can contact your provider for advice. You can also utilize CareMount’s Virtual Visit platform at www.caremount.com/247. If you are feeling more severely ill, and in particular, are having trouble breathing, do not delay seeking medical care. If you are unable to present to a local emergency room, then call 911. Warn 911 if you have risks for having the coronavirus (travel to China, Italy, South Korea, Iran or Japan in the last 14 days, or close contact with someone proven to have the virus).
If you have risks for catching the virus due to recent travel or exposure to a known case, but you are not sick at all, you have options. If your local Department of Health has asked you to stay home on isolation, that’s what you should do. Your employer may do the same. You will likely have to be home for at least 14 days after your potential exposure. You might be asked to take your temperature twice a day, and report to your doctor or the health department if you feel sick or develop a fever.
If you have risks based on travel or exposure, you can elect to stay home for 14 days after your exposure. If you become ill, you should stay at home, unless you become severely ill and or develop shortness of breath. If you become severely ill, call 911 as above.
CareMount Medical is committed to providing all of our patients with updated information during this challenging time. A hotline number 914-440-2837 with recorded information is available and please check our website www.caremount.com/coronavirus for the latest news.
