March 03, 2020
Coronavirus Update from KC CARE
Coronavirus Information and FAQ
Current news is dominated by the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. KC CARE Health Center recognizes that the situation is rapidly changing and cause for concern. Each day, we monitor recommendations and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and our local and state departments of health. You can also visit the CDC’s website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens if I come into KC CARE with a cough, fever, or respiratory illness?
Patients with a cough or fever or who describe having a respiratory illness will be asked by KC CARE front office staff to wear a mask.
- What if I think I have the flu?
Patients who suspect they have the flu will be given a mask. A KC CARE Medical Assistant will then administer a health assessment.
- I recently returned from international travel, and I have a cough and other respiratory symptoms. Can I come to KC CARE for assistance?
Yes. Patients with a cough or fever or who describe having a respiratory illness will be given a mask. A KC CARE Medical Assistant will then administer a health assessment.
- What is the coronavirus?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, China in 2019. It has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people. Experts are still learning about the range of illness. Reported cases have ranged from mild illness, similar to a common cold, to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization. So far, people who are older and have other health conditions seem to be most susceptible.
- How does it spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets. If someone with the virus is sneezing or coughing, these droplets may travel up to six feet. Close contact with the person, such as shaking hands or touching a doorknob, tabletop, or other surfaces touched by the person, and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth can also transmit the virus. However, these types of contact are not thought to be the most common ways the virus spreads.
- When does this spread happen?
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms. There have been reports of this, but it is not thought to be the most common way the virus spreads.
- What are the symptoms and when do they begin?
Patients with Coronavirus have had mild to severe respiratory illness that begins 2-14 days after exposure. Symptoms include the following:
Most common
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
Other possible symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Body aches
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- What can everyone do to protect themselves from Coronavirus and other viral infections?
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough and sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.
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