Message from the ER at Westlake - Coronavirus Update
The ER at Westlake urges you to review these facts about Covid-19 (otherwise known as Coronavirus) and the best ways to protect yourself and your family from the spread of the disease that the World Health Organization has declared a pandemic.
- The Coronavirus is in the same family with the virus that causes the common cold. Most everyone has already been exposed to a type of the coronavirus in their lifetime.
- For the vast majority of the people who are positive for Coronavirus, they will only have the symptoms of a common cold. The people at the highest risk for complications are people over 60 and people who have other medical conditions such as diabetes, a heart condition or respiratory conditions.
- Practice social distancing, avoid crowds, avoid shaking hands and avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol can be a good substitute.
- Only people who meet the CDC guidelines for testing will be tested for Coronavirus. This can change as the CDC changes their guidelines.
- If you are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 a test will not be helpful. COVID-19 can only be confirmed if a person is having symptoms. A test to “rule out” Coronavirus is not helpful if a person is not having symptoms.
- The symptoms of coronavirus may include fever, shortness of breath, cough.
- The incubation period for COVID-19 is 2-14 days.
- There is no treatment or cure for the Coronavirus because it is a virus (like a cold), only the symptoms are treated.
- If you need to go to your doctor, please call ahead and let them know you are coming so they can be prepared for your arrival.
- If you are in medical distress, call 911.
