Dear Patients,
I understand everyone’s concern over the virus. The group that has the greatest risk are 60 and up, and we need to protect them by our ability to protect ourselves. See the chart below on the latest data. This virus is more contagious than the flu and the risks for contracting it can be reduced by the same protocol that we currently use for the flu.
What we can do for our patients is to inform them of steps that they can take to combat the virus and for that matter, the flu. 59,041 people died from the flu / pneumonia, and in 2018 and 55,593 died from the flu / pneumonia. As of today, 50 people have died from the coronavirus. My point being is that we should be taking precautions every day and especially during flu season.
Source:
Mortality rates from:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/flu_pneumonia_mortality/flu_pneumonia.htm.
Infection control and standard precautions that we always employ are excellent deterrents to COVD-19 and every other virus. In addition to the routine steps we take, we are being even more vigilant of all the areas in the office. Surfaces in the reception area, front desk area, consultation area and restroom(s) which would normally be cleaned and disinfected daily, are now being disinfected throughout the day. Hand sanitizer is readily available in our all areas of the practice for your use.
Symptoms:
- Fever (77–98%)
- Cough (46%–82%)
- Myalgia or fatigue (11–52%)
- Shortness of breath (3-31%)
- Less commonly reported symptoms: sore throat, headache
Risk factors:
- Elderly (60+)
- Chronic medical conditions
- 10.5% for those with cardiovascular disease
- 7% for diabetes
- 6% each for chronic respiratory disease, hypertension, and cancer
Source:
Statistics from:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html
My personal plan as a dentist:
- Take temp morning and evening because high fever is a hallmark sign.
- Monitor myself for a dry cough – Not sinus congestion and postnasal congestion. Allergy season is upon us.
- If I have myalgia or fatigue that is unexplained.
- Hand washing as much as possible.
- Use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available.
- No handshaking or personal contact (touching) with others to keep a greater social distance.
- Disinfecting all surfaces that I or others touch with an appropriate cleaner. Phones, remotes etc.
- When in public touch as little as possible. Use elbows and other body parts to open doors etc.
- I will not be attending large public events such as hockey. ☹ It has been suspended. Group sports from Apex have been postponed as a result
- I will be shopping for items that are needed, exercising as much as possible, eating a well-balanced diet, and continuing my daily life as much as possible.
- If I develop any symptoms, I will call my Physician to see the best way to be tested. You may not have the coronavirus and could contract it by going to the hospital. It may be the flu or something else.
- If I have the coronavirus, I will isolate myself for 2 weeks at my home from my community and my family.
How to Protect Yourself
Check out the information in this link:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- 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. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
Many people have few or no detectable symptoms. Therefore, we should
use the universal precautions as outlined above. This is what the
medical & dental communities do on a daily basis. You never know who
is sick or not.
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| Coronavirus Age Group Impact |
Use this interactive link. It’s pretty helpful to understand what to do and look for:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Take steps to protect yourself
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a face mask if you are sick
- If you are sick:
You should wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a face mask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a face mask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick:
You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask). Face masks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
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.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
- Diluting your household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
- Alcohol solutions. Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
- Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants:
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens (PDF) claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
