Covid-19 Update
Dr. Wang follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) everyday guidelines to prevent the spread of any respiratory illness – including COVID-19.
What if I think I have COVID-19?
If you or someone close to you has a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, please contact Dr. Wang for additional instructions. These virtual office visits will help sick individuals avoid spreading any illnesses.
How is it transmitted?
To become infected, people generally must have come into contact with an infected person’s respiratory droplets, which is typically within close contact – 6 feet – of someone who is contagious. It is possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching an infected surface and then touching one’s own mucosal surfaces: mouth, nose, or eyes.
How can I protect myself?
Just like other acute respiratory infections, the best ways to protect yourself from exposure are:
- Avoid people who have symptoms of acute respiratory infections
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and then immediately wash your hands.
- Standard household cleansers and wipes are effective in cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Please practice a 14 day quarantine if you have been in contact with someone who has contracted COVID-19.
Should I buy a face mask?
Not unless you are sick or caring for someone who is sick. Most surgical masks may help you avoid touching your face, but don’t effectively block droplets that carry viruses. For the ones that do, there’s a shortage and public health workers need them.
What are the symptoms?
At first they can seem similar to allergies, the cold, or the flu. Most cases are characterized by fever, runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Contact Dr. Wang if you’re experiencing symptoms, especially if you have been in contact with an infected person or traveled to an affected area like China, Europe, or New York.
Is there a vaccine or cure?
There is no cure or vaccine. Severe sufferers entering the hospital can treat the symptoms of coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, but not the disease itself.
How does it compare to other viruses?
It’s so far killed more people than the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak and MERS combined. But we still can’t be sure of the fatality rate because it is constantly changing. It’s estimated at over 2%, but that could change as the outbreak continues. The virus seems significantly more contagious and deadly than the flu.
Am I at risk?
Depends. Most cases seem to be mild to moderate, ranging between a few days to a few weeks. But the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions (like heart and lung diseases or diabetes) are especially at higher risk for severe infection and possibly even death.
Do I really need to stay home?
The best way to overcome this pandemic is to stop the spread, and the easiest way to do this is by staying home. Keep trips outside the home to a minimum, and for essential needs only, like going to the grocery store.
Anita Wang, MD, FACEP
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