Local Physicians Weigh in on "Flattening the Curve" with Regard to COVID-19
By Julie Perine on March 16, 2020
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“Flattening the curve” has been come a new catch phrase.
Regarding the present COVID-19 pandemic, it means lowering opportunity for mortality and actively working to minimize stressors on the healthcare system.
That can be done, said Dr. Mark Povroznik, Chief Quality Officer/Chairman of Infection Control, WVU Medicine at United Hospital Center, by putting into place protective measures like social distancing, symptom monitoring, self-quarantine and testing.
“All of these have proven to be effective during past epidemics and pandemics,” he said.
Also effective, Povroznik said, is healthcare visitation restriction, which has been implemented to provide protection to the healthcare sector and all who entrust their care within hospital walls.
“An individual does not necessarily need to be sick to share this (COVID-19) virus and viral spread is the highest when you are first asymptomatic,” Povroznik said. “Therefore, visitation restrictions become another ‘protective measure.’”
WVU Medicine has announced that in general, all visitation is discouraged at its facilities. When it is necessary to accompany a patient, there are strict guidelines, which can be seen below.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, emergency warning signs for COVID-19 include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion or inability to arouse and bluish lips or face. If experiencing those symptoms or other severe or concerning symptoms, get medical attention immediately.
If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread and/or are experiencing milder symptoms – fever, cough and slight difficulty in breathing – call your healthcare provider and explain your situation. There is presently no treatment for COVID-19, so people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home.
Dr. Sidney Jackson shared some helpful advice for those who are self-isolating.
“There's now a recommended seven-day period of self-isolation if you've got a fever higher than 37.8C (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or a new/persistent cough, said Jackson, a longtime area physician, military flight surgeon and member of various emergency response teams.
Take analgesia regularly. It will relieve fever and pain. Jackson recommends either Paracetamol/Tylenol (four times daily) or Ibuprofen (three times daily). Take regularly to be most effective.
Drink lots of water as maintaining hydration is fundamental to the immune system.
“When feverish, I’d recommend people drink more water than usual, three to three-and-a-half liters if possible,” he said. “Make sure you are passing lots of clear urine, a sign of good hydration.”
Those quarantined – and everyone – should wash hands regularly with soap and water.
“Wash backs of your hands, between fingers (gutters for viruses) and your thumbs,” he said. “Wash for at least 20 seconds.”
Never sneeze into your hands and disinfect hard surfaces as coronaviruses can survive for days on metal, plastic and ceramic surfaces.
The virus can be spread by cough droplets within a two-meter - or six and a half feet - distance, so stay at least that far away from family members.
“Absolutely do not visit elderly relatives in care homes and hospitals,” he said. “video call friends to maintain human contact and avoid loneliness.”
Older adults who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness, according to the CDC. Those individuals should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild, according to the CDC.
Stay up to date at the CDC Web site HERE. The site includes lots of up-to-date information, checklists, etc.
Povroznik said when decisions being implemented don’t seem to make sense and we don’t understand them, seeing a view to the other side of the world can be impactful.
“Be diligent in helping to stop the spread,” he said. “Do your part with passion and purpose.”
Jackson added that if “nothing happens” after all social restrictions have been put into place, that is the intent.
Povroznik is working around the clock, staying up to date with COVID-19 information. He will be sharing more information in the hours and days to come.
As of today, West Virginia is the only state with no confirmed cases of COVID-19. According to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services, 80 tests for the disease have resulted in zero positive cases with four pending. Stay up to date at the WVDHHR Web site HERE.
For information on COVID-19 testing in Harrison County, click HERE.
UHC and Dr. Mark Povroznik are extending timely information through a video series. See the first video HERE.
