DUNOON GENERAL PRACTICE
CORONA/COVID-19 VIRUS UPDATE
23rd March 2020

In order to reduce the risk of community transmission of the Corona/Covid-19 virus through our clinic, all patients who are at increased risk of contracting this infection will now be able to access telephone consultations. This new service will reduce your risk of contracting the virus from others while at our practice.

People who are at increased risk of serious complications from this virus are: –
i. at least 70 years old and above; or
ii. of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, and at least 50 years old and above; or
iii. pregnant; or
iv. a parent of a child under 12 months; or
v. under treatment for a chronic health condition; or
vi. immune compromised; or
vii. someone who meets the current national triage protocol criteria for suspected COVID-19 infection (THAT IS: SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19 INFECTION; OR SOMEONE WHO HAS RECENTLY RETURNED FROM OVERSEAS).

BOOKED APPOINTMENTS: When you ring to book an appointment, Narelle/Jessica will ask you a few questions. If you do not need a face to face consultation then you will be given an appointment with our new Telephone Consultation service and one of the doctors will ring you back at a set time.

DROP-IN CLINIC (Monday mornings) – Please ring before dropping in if you are in any of the groups of people at increased risk as above, or if you have any signs of respiratory infection or fever. We will book you in for a telephone consultation if appropriate. We will stop seeing patients face to face after 11am so we can then do the telephone consultations between 11 and 12:30. PLEASE RING before attending this clinic as we need to prevent OVERCROWDING.

Importantly IF you have signs of a respiratory infection AND are getting worse (such as having difficulty breathing) then PLEASE go to the LISMORE BASE HOSPITAL – FEVER CLINIC and you will be fully assessed there (this is open from 10am to 6pm) (no need to ring first). Out of those hours please go to Accident and Emergency – ring Lismore Base Hospital- 6621 8000 before going.

BASIC FACTS ABOUT THIS INFECTION: –
1/ It seems to be twice as infectious as the normal flu.
2/ Most transmission happens when people who have the infection sneeze or cough and this goes on to someone else. When you touch your face the virus enters via your eyes/nose/mouth.
3/ Most people will have mild symptoms (cough, runny nose, fever), BUT up to 1% of people may die from this infection (this is figure is higher in the at-risk groups). This is why if you are either in an INCREASED RISK group or have increased trouble breathing/shortness of breath then seek medical attention.
4/ Your best defence is to WASH YOUR HANDS (20 seconds) whenever you touch someone else or come into contact with anyone with cough/cold symptoms. Also – avoid touching your face.
5/ Your best action to help reduce the impact of this infection is to SELF ISOLATE if you have symptoms of a cold/chest infection and GET TESTED for Corona/Covid-19 virus if you have either been overseas recently OR have been in contact with anyone diagnosed with this infection.
6/ Finally if you have any more questions and need help out of hours then please ring HEALTH DIRECT ON 1800 022 222 (24 hrs), or the National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 (24 hrs)

 
PATIENT ADVICE FOR about COVID-19
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-covid-19

Take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible.
• Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
• During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
Have your medical supplies on hand + scripts up to date.
• Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
• Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.

Wash your hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Take everyday preventive actions:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
• If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
• Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
• Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips
 
If COVID-19 is spreading in your community
Take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus.
• Stay home as much as possible.
• Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks

Have a plan for if you get sick
• Consult with your us, the National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 (24 hrs), or Lismore Base Hospital (6621 8000)
• Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbours, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.
• Determine who can care for you if your caregiver gets sick.
• Most people will have mild symptoms (cough, runny nose, muscle aches and pains)

Watch for warning signs of a serious infection
• Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call us, or the other numbers above.
• If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 you can ring us OR if we are closed, either telephone 000 or go to the Fever Clinic at Lismore Base Hospital.
• In adults, emergency warning signs are:
o Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
o Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
o New confusion or inability to arouse
o Bluish lips or face

What to do if you get sick – STAY WELL HYDRATED
• Stay home and call us, the National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 (24 hrs), or HEALTH DIRECT 1800 022 222 (24 hrs)
• If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home.
• Know when to get emergency help.
• Get medical attention immediately if you have any of the emergency warning signs listed above.

Family and caregiver support
• Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand.
• Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
• Stock up on non-perishable food to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.