Covid-19 Update
Dear Member,
As the world starts to quarantine and the COVID-19 virus continues to affect New York City and the surrounding areas, we wanted to give you an update.
We love seeing you and making sure you are healthy. However, at this time we have decided to do mostly virtual visits. We are still open in the office if needed but due to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), we cannot properly protect ourselves, our staff, other patients and our families. We have been able to treat multiple patients using this platform in the past few weeks with great results. If you have issues you wish to discuss with us or just want face to face time we are happy to do a virtual visit with you. We are available for ANY patient of any age for a virtual visit. We will be doing this for the next week and reassess at that time as we have applied to the office of emergency management for more equipment. It is very important to “flatten the curve” of infection and spread and we are trying to do our part.
Patients over 60: We recommend EVERYONE do social distancing at this time but especially those over 60 or with underlying health issues. As well, if anyone is having issues getting basic supplies, such as groceries, due to self-quarantine because they are high risk please let us know. We will try to see if we can assist with community resources. We are all in this together. No one should feel alone. Physical social distancing should not mean social isolation. Call your older relatives and friends and make sure they don’t feel lonely. Same with those who are immunocompromised or sick. Visits to other specialists, etc. Unless it is an urgent matter, please postpone any and all visits. If you’re not sure, contact us to help you decide. Many offices are virtual only at this time as well due to the PPE shortage.
Children and coronavirus: We have been reading reports from China, Italy and other affected areas. It still remains that young children do not specifically show any major signs of infection. They are not sure why this occurs. It does not mean they cannot get COVID-19. It implies they usually don’t show similar symptoms as adults. Again, they can still be infectious without symptoms. In January, in China, of the few hundred children hospitalized for respiratory illness, only 6 children had COVID-19 and only one needed the ICU. All did well in the end and were discharged. They are not yet sure why children have a mild infection 98% of the time.
Our office is open, but If you don’t feel well: Call our office to have a virtual visit to triage you and give advice on next steps. Please, for the safety of our staff, physicians and other patients, do not show up unannounced and don’t downplay any symptoms. If you aren’t sure if you should come in or not, we can properly triage you over a video visit.
Social distancing: We have been asked specific questions as to what it means to have social distancing. The recommendation is not to have close physical contact with anyone outside your house. This means if you have kids - no playdates or visits to their friends. No gym time or yoga. No going to the playground. No going out for dinner or having a dinner party with others. We do feel that ordering in food is still safe - ask them to leave the package outside your door and once you unpack your food, wash your hands very well for at least 20 seconds prior to eating. You should be doing this even if you are just eating from homemade foods as well. Wash well before you bring your hands to your face at all times. We also continue to recommend NO non-essential airplane travel.
How long does the coronavirus last on surfaces:
A single cough can produce up to 3,000 droplets. These particles can last 3 hours in the air. It can last 24 hours on cardboard, up to 3 days on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces, plastic coated or laminated worktops and other hard surfaces. Researchers did find that copper killed the virus in about 4 hours. Disinfecting surfaces often and well with 60% or high alcohol or hydrogen peroxide of bleach or household products with bleach can kill it within a minute. Clean often and don’t touch your face. The particles don’t jump/move.
What if you feel ill and are in a typical small NYC apartment with others? Call us to evaluate and guide you. More specifically, if you have a separate space (ie another bedroom and bathroom), stay there and try to isolate yourself as much as you can. If you cannot isolate within your own home, wear a mask to isolate your illness from others once you show symptoms. If you have a sick individual in your home, use gloves to bring them daily supplies and wash well. Have them (or you) eat and drink in a separate space as well. Don’t share towels, utensils or dishes with others. Use gloves when washing their supplies afterwards. Do not reuse contaminated gloves.
Can you become infected twice –The data is unclear. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 don’t give up the social distancing and hand washing to be safe once the symptoms resolve.
Is testing available: Reportedly more testing is soon available but for now they are still not testing young or those with mild symptoms and no known direct contact. We will keep you posted as we hear more. There is drive through testing now available in New Rochelle but that is specifically for Westchester residents only.
Ideas to do while you are isolating:
Go for walks outside
Learn a new language
Do puzzles
Journal
Read that book you never had the time to read
Catch up with others via telephone
Use the outdoors as your gym (stay out of shared gyms)
Get a jump rope and jump. Do online Youtube exercise or yoga sessions
Walk in place if it’s not nice outside
Learn an instrument
Meditate
Try new recipes
Play board games or interactive online games
Paint or do art projects
Do a self spa day
Dr Z: Dr Cristian Zanartu is our internist who specializes in pain, palliative care, chronic illnesses and LGBTQ issues. He reminds us, this is not the time to overlook your chronic medical conditions. Monitoring your blood pressure, glucose -if diabetic- and overall well-being. He can also help with management of stress through mindfulness, meditation and smart use of low risk medications (including medical marijuana if indicated) are all interventions that can be done via telemedicine. Check out his Instagram at @dactazee for some help tips as well.
Nutrition: Try not to emotionally eat or drink. We need to be our healthiest at this time. Eat a rainbow color of foods that are rich in nutrients and vitamins. Our dietician Abigail Rapaport is also available for cooking demos and nutritional guidance through virtual visits during this time of higher stress. Call our office if you are interested in setting that up. Follow her on Instagram as well for ideas @abigailnutrition.
Dry and chapped hands from washing: We have also been inundated with calls of dry or chapped hands from washing so often. Please don’t stop washing for that reason. Our dermatologist, @drmianonskin is giving tips on Instagram to keeping your skin from becoming red and dry. If you have any dermatological needs during you also have options. She can do a virtual visit with you if you are concerned and don’t want to come in - as somethings should not wait. Call our office to set that up.
This is going to be the new normal in the world for the next few months. Calm and preparation are the best defense.
And as always, we are always here for you and we will get through this.
Best in Health,
Flatiron Family Medical, PC