Helpful COVID-19 Information

This article is brought to you by our friends at Ole Town Med.

Ole Town Med is very concerned about your student's health during this time of uncertainty regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Please stay updated on all the latest information regarding this virus and follow your school's suggestions and recommendations regarding any precautions put in place yo help prevent the spread of this virus.On the topic of the Coronavirus, or more specifically, COVID-19, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention has quoted:“There is an ongoing investigation to determine more about this outbreak. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. ”To see the most updated information regarding COVID-19, please go to ​www.cdc.gov​ or ​www.who.int​.

What exactly is the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that spreads from person to person and person to animal. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

How does the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread?It is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. Risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Learn more about places with ongoing spread at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html#geographic​.

Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.?Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html​.

How does COVID-19 spread?The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly 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 also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the mainway the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses athttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html​.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of ● fever ● cough ● shortness of breath

What are severe complications from this virus?Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death.

How can I help protect myself? People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.

●  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

●  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth withunwashed hands.

●  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based handsanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

●  If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:

○  Stay home when you are sick.

○  Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

○  Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19?If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.

Is there a vaccine? There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.

Is there a treatment? There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms. What is Ole Town Med doing to prepare?●  We are asking that ALL patients who have a fever to come to the clinic and call us at 662.234.9112 for car side service. This will be our attempt to minimize exposure to our staff and other patients.

●  We are following all guidelines as stated by the CDC and WHO in order to protect ourselves and our community from COVID-19.

●  If you take daily medications for chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, mental disorders, etc, please come to the clinic for refills to ensure you will not run out of medication in the case of home confinement due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Laura L. Hill, FNP-C, President of Ole Town Med