We are supporting our patients in maintaining their current health as well as identifying people who are at risk of COVID-19.
COVID-19 is the virus that is part of a large family of viruses known as coronaviruses that can cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to illnesses that are more serious. It is likely to spread from person-to-person through close contact or by touching contaminated surfaces from a person with a confirmed infection, and then touching your mouth or face. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other colds and flus and may include fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing. It is important to remember that most people displaying these symptoms are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness, not COVID-19.
Ways to slow the spread of the viruses, such as COVID-19 include social distancing techniques. This includes avoiding large public gatherings if they’re not essential, minimising physical contact such as shaking hands, kissing and keeping a distance of 1.5m between you and other people whenever possible. Good hygiene practices like washing your hands regularly and covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow area is another way to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and other colds and flus.
Some members of the community have asked the question : Why we do not test people who are worried about being infected and some have unfairly pressured doctors to provide them with a test. The answer is: The government has set up targeted testing instead of widespread testing. There are a few reasons for this including the availability of test kits and personal protection kits globally.
It is worthwhile considering that if somebody is worried enough to request to have a COVID-19 test done, but does not meet the criteria, they should consider social distancing at a minimum or self-isolate until they have discussed their concerns with a doctor. Furthermore all people who have arrived in Australia from midnight 15 March 2020 from overseas travel or think they may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
To our knowledge there has not been any patient seen with COVID-19 infection in our clinic. Victor Medical Centre is making sure that our patients and staff remain well and cared for during this time so we can serve our community best. Therefore our clinic has taken proactive measures to decrease the risk for spread of infection.
The Australian Psychological Society has published a helpful publication “Tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety” which is freely available on line. This pamphlet offers some helpful strategies and also touches on how to talk to your children about COVID-19. Please also consider seeing your doctor if you are finding that your mental health is suffering. Especially now we need to work out calm and considerate ways to support each other as this will increase of our chances to ALL stay well while we try to manage this pandemic.
