Good morning, or afternoon to my bloggers
I thought I’d give you a bit of an update on COVID again. As I’ve had many questions from my patients. I’ve included some points of interest, mostly gleaned from WHO (World Health Organization). It now appears the virus is highly contagious, and that symptoms can be none, mild, moderate or severe, and it can in some cases lead to death.
- It takes about 5-6 days to “catch” COVID. Influenza jumps to the next person in 3 days.
- COVID will be in your system about a day or two before symptoms, but so far it doesn’t appear to spread in that period. ,
- It is difficult to know when you have COVID. The symptoms are usually mild, but around 20% of cases are severe and there are about 5% of people that would require ICU care. Compared to influenza, death is more likely if you are infected with COVID. WHO states about 0.1% of people die from influenza while we believe 3-4% can die from COVID. Remember that COVID is still rare and you are far more likely to have a simple cold or the flu if you have a cough, fever, stuffy nose and body aches.
- Children are less likely to get COVID.
- If you are elderly, or have immune suppressiion from chronic disease or certain medications, then you are at risk of serious illness.
- If you have a respiratory illness, stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever, chills, body aches, report this to the staff at your healthcare provider’s office when you make your appointment. They can advise you on what to do. I would suggest you not enter the office until your appointment time. If you haven’t spoken to your doctor, it may be best to be seated in a separate room if possible, or keep 6 foot apart from others until you are sure you are not infected.
- Fear and anxiety cause more problems than a rare disease. Panic can lead to injury. Please be calm and respectful of peoples’ feelings. Compassion goes a long way to helping a crisis situation. All the best Judy