What’s In Your Power
What is in your power to support your health and wellbeing for you and your family during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak?
Firstly, your mindset and recognising what is in your control or under your influence. Remaining focused on what you can do to take care of yourself at this challenging time will help you prepare mentally, emotionally and even physically. People under stress are more likely to make decisions that are out of character or can even put them or people they care about in harms way. This includes excessive stockpiling (you don’t need 6 months supply) of toilet paper, rice, hand sanitizer and pasta shortages. There is enough food and other goods in the community if everyone can work together and help each other out.PRUE’S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Prue’s Mum has been in a COVID-19 isolation unit at Box Hill Hospital after showing symptoms of shortness of breath (despite no known contact with an infected person). She has received one negative test and is awaiting a second negative test before she is allowed out of isolation. This means I (Prue) have seen how frustrating it is for doctors trying to help patients cope. The more we can do to slow down the spread and decrease the strain on our hospital system, the better.WHAT IS CLEAR… The virus will likely become widespread, as it appears to be very contagious. However most people who contract it will experience low grade symptoms, similar to a cold. Many people will carry the infection and experience no obvious symptoms at all.
The main symptoms to be aware of are fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath. Anyone who is unwell with any infection like symptoms is encouraged to call the Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080.
If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 immediately.
People over age 60, especially with other chronic health conditions are at higher risk of life threatening illness due to the virus. Health professionals are also at an increased risk due to higher chance of multiple exposures. Children under the age of 10 appear to be experiencing lower rates of illness than other age groups, however may still transmit the virus without showing symptoms. Business as Usual In the Clinic We are still open, and are still holding appointments for anyone who is well and able to come. Some people are asking why we have chosen this path. At this time, the Australian Government would prefer allied health clinics to remain open. This contributes to reducing pressure on emergency departments and GP clinics, for people to get ongoing support for their health concerns, in a timely and appropriate way. We always have our patients’ and staff wellbeing at heart. In addition to our usual hygeine practices, we have implemented:- Hand sanitizer located throughout the clinic. We ask that patients sanitize their hands as they enter the clinic.
- Hand washing instructions located near hand basins. Please ensure you use soap and rub for at least 20 seconds.
- As always, changing linen between appointments – and decreasing use of linen altogether where possible.
- Washing treatment tables and disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as desks, chairs and door handles between appointments.
- Increased cleaning of other high-touch surfaces such as reception computer, EFTPOS machine and front door throughout the day.
- Increasing the temperature we are washing our linen with.