So, what do you think about COVID, Doc?

I'm writing this post as a response to a question I am now getting multiple times a day working in a clinic in Pantego. With this pandemic currently underway, the media bringing fear and panic into the lives of many individuals, I thought I would do my best to stick to the facts.

What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is a respiratory virus that can spread from person to person. Since it is a virus, this means that antibiotics do not kill it, and that we mostly need to manage the symptoms. COVID-19 was a novel virus that came from Wuhan, China.

How does COVID-19 spread?
We believe that COVID-19 originally mutated from an animal source, and now has been spreading from person to person. The virus can spread within people that are in close proximity (6 feet or less), through respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. It is also possible that the virus can stay dormant on surfaces where a person touches, and then an individual touches that surface, an touches their face, they can potentially get the virus.

How many cases are there in the world of COVID-19?
Uptodate counts of where COVID-19 is.

What does it mean to be in a pandemic?
According to the World Health Organization, a pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world beyond expectations.

What does it mean to be in a state of emergency?
This means that local officials are working together to contain and diminish the amount of possible cases. This means that various events that would have large groups of people coming together are currently postponed until further notice.

What symptoms should I be watching out for?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory symptoms, along with

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

In severe cases, this can lead to pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure, and death.

How can I help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then put the tissue in trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What steps are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at Transcend Medical Group?

• We now have the testing capability for COVID-19 at the Randol Mill location.
• If a patient comes in for testing for strep, respiratory panel, or flu, we are now keeping them in their exam room until the test is completed.
• We are sanitizing surfaces more frequently.
• We are encouraging our employees to wash their hands frequently.
• For the COVID-19 testing, we have one employee testing patients, and that employee is wearing protective equipment.
• We are currently partnering with UT Southwest to monitor the current outbreak of COVID-19.
• Dr. Harbison will be employing fist bumps with patients, since that decreases the spread of germs by 90%, and she will continue to frequently sanitize her hands and wear gloves, when appropriate.

What should I do if I, or someone I know, is concerned they may have it?
They should go to their closest medical facility that has testing available for COVID-19. You may call your local ER ahead of time to ensure the testing is ready. Or, you can go to our main campus on Randol Mill and Davis.

What online resources are available for individuals?
Please see this link to be connected with the World Health Organization's page with factoids about COVID-19.

I hope that this post alleviates some fears. If you, or others, have any questions about COVID-19, please do not hesitate to ask a doctor you trust.