- Dec 27, 2020
- 3 min read

What You Need To Know About Coronavirus Disease 2019

Our doctors and staff are monitoring the situation closely and are following the guidelines from the CDC and Santa Clara County Public Health.

Please call our office first. Patients may also email doctors directly through the Patient Portal if they have any concerns regarding COVID-19 or any other health issues. Our doctors will be doing appointments via phone/video call. Please call our office to set an appointment.

Please do not come into the office unless instructed by a staff member. We are not seeing patients in the office unless absolutely necessary, sick for other reasons, or have been ruled out for COVID-19.

At this time, our office does not have any testing kits available. We are currently waiting on swabs from local labs. If you develop a fever and have symptoms of respiratory illness, please call our office first. Do not come into the office. If you are experiencing mild symptoms, we ask patients to stay quarantined for 2 weeks.

These guidelines may change as more information becomes available. Please call our office for the latest information. Thank you.

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The recent outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 has many people asking questions. This post is meant as a quick resource to help answer questions you may have. Please be advised, if you suspect you or a loved one may have the coronavirus disease 2019, please call our office first for further information. Our staff will guide you to your next steps.

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals such as camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people.

The coronavirus disease 2019, also referred to as COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

What are the symptoms?

Patients with COVID-19 experience mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms such as:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

*If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

How COVID-19 spreads

There is still more to be learned about the specifics about COVID-19. Current understanding about how the virus works is based on what is known about similar coronaviruses.

Person-to-person:

Between people who are close in contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby

How to keep yourself and others healthy:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue
If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands
Wear a cloth mask to cover your face and nose when you are around others
How to make and wear a cloth mask
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
Cleaning and disinfection guidelines for households

What to do if you are sick

Stay home except to get medical care

You should restrict any activities outside your home. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home

As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. If available, use a separate bathroom as well.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor

If you suspect you might be infected with COVID-19, call our office before entering the building. Our staff will ensure that they and any patients inside have the necessary precautions.