CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Guidance

I wanted to take this opportunity to provide some guidance regarding the COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) to all my patients.  

CDC is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a new Coronavirus which originated from China and has now spread to many countries including the United States.  There have been multiple cases of COVID-19 positively identified in the greater Houston area which has created concern for the public which must be addressed to keep things in perspective.

HOW DOES IT SPREAD

• The virus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet)
• Through respiratory droplets when a person sneezes of coughs
• Touching the surface that has virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes (not the main way of spreading)

SYMPTOMS
​The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE THE SYMPTOMS
PLEASE CALL AHEAD if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness such as cough or difficulty breathing and meet the following criteria:

• Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19
• Traveled to an area with COVID-19 spread
• Have been in close contact with a person who traveled or lived in an area with COVID-19 spread

Once we review your symptoms and history, we will provide you with the appropriate guidance and will work with our county's public health department  to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

MEASURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD TO OTHERS
If you develop the symptoms, follow the below instructions closely to prevent the spread to your family members and others:

• Self quarantine at home in a separate room with separate bathroom
• Self monitoring of symptoms and checking your temperature twice daily
• Protect other family members by wearing a mask
• Repeatedly washing hands
• Food must be brought to the infected person's room in paper plates
• Trash in the infected person's room to be picked up for disposal with gloves
• Double bag the trash before disposing off

SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN GUIDELINE
In general, schools are requiring that your child stay home from school for 14 days following the last potential exposure if any member of your household has or may have a suspected case of COVID-19.

SELF REPORTING TO PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS
Below please find the county health department contact numbers for self reporting:

FORT BEND COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT - 281-342-6417
HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT - 713-439-6000
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT - 936-523-5026


OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS

CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

CDC Travel advisory updates
https://www.cdc.gov/travel/notices/