COVID-19

COVID-19 is a new disease.  The current available information regarding risk factor for severe disease is limited.  Nonetheless, it has been noted that old adults and/or patients of any age with serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Patients who might be at a high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

  • People 65 years and older
  • People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • People who have serious heart conditions
  • People who are immunocompromised
    • Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.
  • People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
  • People with diabetes
  • People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
  • People with liver disease

How to protect yourself and others

  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
    • It has been recently noted that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Important steps to limit the spread of Covid-19

  1. Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  Stay home as much as possible. Put distance between yourself and other people.

  3. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others: You may still spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public. However, Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.

  4. Cover coughs and sneezes:  If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

  5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.  To disinfect, use diluted bleach (4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water), or alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol.

Before you show up to your visit

  1. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please call your primary care physician or call our office before coming to scheduled appointment:

    • Fever
    • Cough or runny nose
    • Shortness of breath

  2. Due to the current Covid-19 outbreak and until further notice, we are requesting that no visitors enter our clinic except for caregivers who assist patients with a transportation or other personal needs.

  3. You may receive a call from our clinic personnel to reschedule your visit if your appointment is not critical.  In most cases, these appointments will be scheduled after July 1, 2020.

  4. Patient screening: Upon arrival to your appointment, you will be asked a series of questions at the location of check-in at the front desk related to signs and symptoms that could be related to Covid-19 or exposure to Covid-19.  Also, your temperature will be taken at that location.

  5. Everyone entering our clinic will be asked to wear a face-covering or a mask.  This is very important for the safety of our patients and healthcare workers.  If you do not have a mask, we will attempt to provide you with one.

  6. We offer Telehealth.  We encourage our patient to call our clinic directly to see whether or not that service can be offered to them.  However, Telehealth may not be suitable for every patient.  Please call our clinic at 850-219-8000 to see if that service is available to you.  Once you are considered to be eligible for Telehealth, please click on the following link https://tci.doxy.me

We understand that this is a very unique and stressful time for all of us.  The situation with Covid-19 outbreak is rapidly changing and evolving.  We assure you that you will be kept informed and updated regarding the current situation in regards to patient care at our institution. We appreciate your help and thoughtful consideration in helping us achieve the best possible patient care.  For more information, please visit www.cdc.gov and floridahealth.gov.