COASTAL TELEHEALTH SERVICES
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COASTAL COVID UPDATE
We want to share with you some facts and informative advice. We wish you and yours well and extend a heartfelt thank you for your understanding during these trying times.
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person that was first identified in Wuhan, China.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads from person to person. The virus is thought to spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may also be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes; however, this is not the main way the virus is thought to spread.
Who is most at risk for catching COVID-19?
Much like the flu, individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for catching COVID-19, including the elderly and those with serious medical conditions. If you are generally in good health, the risk for contracting COVID-19 is low.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness symptoms including:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
How can you prevent catching COVID-19?
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or more
• If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Stay home if you are sick
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and then discard the tissue
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
Should I wear a facemask?
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well use a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Link to CDC site below discusses this further.
What should I do if I have been exposed to COVID-19?
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 or are directed to seek alternative care by our office should:
• Contact their primary health provider immediately
• Now you will be able to have a visit with our physicians from the safety and comfort of your home using a HIPAA compliant video conferencing platform/telephone. Call the office for a TELEHEALTH appointment with our doctors. If it is necessary to be seen, we are still seeing patients in our Neptune office and taking all necessary precautions to keep our patients and staff safe.
• If you’re experiencing a healthcare emergency, call 911.
• New COVID-19 Information Resource NJ 211 is now activated to help handle COVID-19 related calls from New Jersey residents. NJ 211 is New Jersey’s statewide, comprehensive, information and referral service operated by United Way of New Jersey. Residents can also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information and stay informed. To receive live text assistance, residents can text their zip code to 898-211. These new tools supplement the existing COVID-19 hotline: 1-800-962-1253 or 1-800-222-1222.
• Governor Phil Murphy announced the launch of the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub, a new, visitor-friendly website available at covid19.nj.gov. The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub provides New Jerseyans with the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the State's response, including information about services such as food assistance and small business assistance.
• Helpful sites include the Center for Disease Control and now Google:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.google.com/covid19/
• Update: State Pop-Up Testing Sites
Bergen County’s COVID-19 testing site at Bergen County Community College in Paramus has been open for two days. Due to overwhelming demand, the site shut down early both days, but they plan to open again tomorrow morning at 8a.m. Testing will only be provided to NJ residents who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, shortness of breath, coughing). Those requesting testing must bring an I.D. with proof of their NJ residency.
Governor Murphy announced on Friday that another COVID-19 testing site will open at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 8 a.m.
Am I IMMUNOCOMPROMISED?
- Patients actively undergoing Chemotherapy and/or Radiation:
• If not getting active treatment patients can been seen even if they are within their 5 year post treatment window
• You are not at a higher risk just because you have been diagnosed with cancer - Patients with history of Lymphoma
- Patients with Autoimmune Disease on Immunosuppressive Therapy
How long is the incubation period?
Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear 2-14 days after exposure.
What should I do if I am exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19?
If you feel sick with a fever, cough or difficulty breathing and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19 you should call your primary healthcare provider or follow the above instructions.
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
If you believe you may have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 or are exhibiting mild symptoms and want to be tested for the virus please follow the suggestions mentioned above. Coastal does not do COVID testing.
What if I test positive for COVID-19?
If you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home and avoid contact with others to avoid further spread of the virus.
How is COVID-19 treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended forCOVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?
Currently there are no vaccines available to prevent COVID-19 infections.
What are the dangers of contracting COVID-19?
Approximately 80% of those infected with COVID-19 will only experience mild symptoms and not require hospitalization. In extreme cases, individuals have experienced pneumonia, multi-organ failure and death.
What is Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat doing to ensure the health and safety of the communities it serves?
Coastal is continuing to work in close contact with the New Jersey Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control to obtain the latest statistics and details. We are taking all necessary precautions to protect our patients and staff.
Coastal Surgery Center and Holmdel & Manahawkin locations are CLOSED until further notice.
Our Neptune office will remain OPEN.
For additional information and rolling updates on COVID-19 please refer to: The NJ Department of Health or via hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at The Center for Disease Control.
