March 13, 2020

To Our Valued Patients,

At Nasson Health Care we have a commitment to not only provide exceptional medical, behavioral health and dental care, but also to the safety, well-being and education of our community about issues that will impact your overall health and quality of life.

What can I do to keep myself, my family and the larger community safe and well during a potential COVID-19 outbreak?
•  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
•  Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, especially when out in public;
•  Avoid contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are sick;
•  Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away;
•  Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
•  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend the general public wear a mask to prevent COVID-19.

Steps to Prevent the Illness

What if I have symptoms or think I may have been exposed to COVID-19?
It is understandable that any kind of cold or flu-like symptoms might provoke anxiety when an outbreak of this type dominates our daily news. Be aware, first and foremost, that the vast majority of people infected with the virus experience it as they would a common cold or the flu and make a full recovery. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are cough, fever, or shortness of breath. Most individuals with symptoms need do nothing more than stay home and care for themselves until they are well. If, however, you experience more severe symptoms or are otherwise concerned about your symptoms or have reason to believe you were exposed to someone known to have COVID-19, call us at Nasson Health Care before presenting to the clinic or emergency department. This is the best way to determine the right course of treatment for you and limit the spread of infection.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Symptoms

Should I be tested?
Patients who should be considered for testing include those individuals who have symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) and have returned within 14 days from an area with a known COVID-19 outbreak or have been in close contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19. If you feel you should be tested for COVID-19, please call us first so you can get the care you need and we can limit the spread of possible infection. Guidance for who should be considered for testing is likely to change.

Should I be Tested?
Should I change my travel plans or avoid large gatherings?
Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. If you are in this high-risk group, the federal Centers for Disease Control is now recommending that you reconsider travel and avoid crowds. Please see the CDC’s website for more information on what you can do to prepare. If you are not in a high-risk category, there are also some recommendations and warnings about traveling to places in the world with ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19.

Travel: Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
If you have additional questions about COVID-19 please contact us at Nasson Health Care and we will be happy to be of assistance.

In good health,

Rhianna Meadows, DO
Medical Director
Nasson Health Care