Yesterday I attended the telebriefing for professionals held by the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department (
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/
). Please see below for the current information and instructions as well as my recommendations to keep you and your loved ones well during this time of unrest.
As you all likely know the new coronavirus is spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and via close personal contact, such as caring for an infected person. As a community, we want to limit the spread of this virus by reducing our exposure to large groups of people and by not exposing others if we are sick.
The immediate risk to the general public in Los Angeles County is low. Public Health is carefully assessing this situation as it evolves (as am I). Most individuals who contract this virus will only have mild or moderate symptoms of fever, cough, and fatigue. However, individuals >60 years old, those with diabetes or cardiovascular conditions or whom are immune suppressed are at risk of more severe manifestations such as difficulty breathing and may require hospitalization.
If you have a fever, dry cough (not the sniffles-this is rare with CoVID-19), or fatigue, call your health care provider. Do not go to the ER, Urgent Care or their office. They will be able to assess you via the phone and provide you with further information and support. If you are having difficulty breathing, severe fatigue or difficulty keeping fluids down call 911 for EMT support or go to your closest ER.
Here are some tips for you and ways we can help
Factors that keep your immune system robust:
1. Avoid exposure
2. Keep your immune system functioning optimally
