Coronavirus Resources

With the recent Coronavirus pandemic, many in our community are concerned. In addition to what we are doing to limit the spread, we have also compiled a list of resources for you on the topic. Please check back regularly for updates.

COVID-19 Facts

Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, most coronaviruses cause minor respiratory illness, similar to the common cold. The current coronavirus that has spread across the world is actually caused by SARS-CoV-2 (or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). About 80% recover from the illness without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness as a result of this infection. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

At this time, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation for future use. Those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.

Most common Coronavirus symptoms

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fever
• Pneumonia
• Difficulty breathing

How to Protect Yourself

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

WHO video on hand washing

https://youtu.be/3PmVJQUCm4E

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Hands touch many surfaces throughout the day and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, your hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

What to do if you have symptoms (from the CDC)

1. Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
2. Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Avoid public areas and public transportation.
3. Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
4. Wear a facemask if you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.

National/International Coronavirus resources & citations

1. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control on COVID-19
2. World Health Organization on Coronavirus

What our office is doing

Our office is lucky to have Ashley Olson, a registered nurse, on staff. With a strong background in infection control, she has led our efforts to step up sanitization procedures. These include:

• Increased frequency of surface sanitization
• Increased frequency of hand washing by all employees (including Audiologists) at Applied Hearing Solutions
• A no-symptom policy on attendance. Employees are required to stay home if they feel ill.

Local Resources for Phoenix residents

Arizona Department of Health Services Coronavirus Updates

City of Phoenix page on Coronavirus