Across the United States, cases of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and influenza are increasing. At the same time, Covid-19 cases, which had been dropping, appear to have plateaued over the last three weeks. New variants has been gaining ground causing a wave of illness over winter.
The spikes in viral illnesses have already begun to affect many hospitals systems.
Appropriate combinations of health and administrative controls, safe work practices,and personal protective equipment to prevent exposures still our commitment with all of our patients.
For all patients, regardless of specific exposure risks, it is always a good practice,, especially in the healthcare environment to:
- Wear cloth face coverings, at a minimum, at all times while in our office or the general public.
Your face covering should cover your nose and mouth completely. - Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are not immediately available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as active ingredients and rub hands together until they are dry. Always wash hands that are visibly soiled.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Practice good respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes or coughing/sneezing into your elbow/upper sleeve.
- Avoid close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with people who are visibly sick and practice physical distancing.
- Stay home if sick and call our office to reschedule your appointment
By following these suggestions you are helping certain patients, including older adults and those with underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease, chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis, liver disease, diabetes, immune deficiencies, to avoid further and grave complications.
Thank you for your attention to this information.