The DAC would like to answer your questions and concerns regarding the Coronavirus.
Here’s what you need to know now.
- The coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person – through bodily fluids produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes – between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet).
- The virus can be transferred from a surface or object if you touch it and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes. But there is likely a very low risk of it surviving on the surface of products or packaging.
- Symptoms, which include cough, fever and shortness of breath, may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
- Currently, the CDC does not recommend the general public wear facemasks. However, the CDC says facemasks should be worn by people with confirmed or suspected infection.
If you have an upcoming appointment:
- If you have a fever, please reschedule your upcoming appointment for at least 14 days. If you feel, that you have been in contact with someone who has the Coronavirus, please reschedule your upcoming appointment.
- If need be, please contact your Primary Physician.
- The DAC will not be testing for the Coronavirus. If you feel that you need testing, please contact the local Health department for testing locations.
What about my Medications:
- Please continue your medications unless you become acutely ill or have a confirmed exposure to an individual who has tested positive with the coronavirus.
Travel:
The DAC is recommending that people who are immunosuppressed limit travel and ideally, avoid events with large groups if possible. The CDC at this time is recommending that high risk patients (those over 60 years old or with chronic medical conditions, which would include those on immunosuppression) avoid non-essential travel, exposure to large groups and specifically cruises.
The CDC recommends many practical measures that lower your risk of exposure to the coronavirus as they do the flu. These include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after using the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth until you wash your hands.
- Stay home when you’re sick and cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then toss tissue in the trash.
- Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces with a common household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when washing your hands is not possible.
Please refer regularly to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov and the Arthritis Foundation website at http://arthritis.org for more information and tips for prevention.
