March 2020 Hopkins Center Drug Newsletter

March 2020

What's Happening this month:

March 8th - Daylight savings time begins - remember to spring ahead 1 hour.

March 21st - Double Point Day in celebration of the first full day of Spring!

New Technology arriving at Center Drug

As we mentioned in last month's newsletter, our new Scriptpro robot will be arriving next week. We will be training and going live with it the week of March 9th.

We ask that you please be patient with us in the coming few weeks as we get used to working with this new automation and our workflow changes.

This will be a great new addition to our staff, but as with anything, there will be a learning curve we need to go through, so we Thank you in advance for your patience.

Coronavirus

As the coronavirus is spreading around the world, you cannot miss the daily news discussions about it. The news media has everyone rushing to stock up on masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, medications and food, but what everyone needs to be doing right now is taking simple proactive steps that we would take any year during flu season to prevent its spread. Currently, there is not a need to stock up on medications, but take the simple, smart steps to managing your medications that we have always suggested, and that is do not let your medication run down to the last dose before you order a refill. Always re-order your medication when you have at least 7 days left, so that if we need to obtain a refill from the doctor, or special order your medication, or get an alternative brand, we will have time to do that. As of right now, insurance companies are not allowing early refills on medication that would allow you to stock up on your medications. All of the major insurance companies have said that if there is an emergency situation due to the coronavirus, they will be less restrictive in the time frame in which they allow you to get refills, as they have in the past with any hurricane or natural disaster, but at this time they do not feel the need to do that.

Everyone has been stocking up on masks--the CDC does not recommend routine use of wearing a mask, UNLESS you are sick, or are caring for someone who is sick, and you are in close proximity to that person (usually within a distance of 6 feet).

Right now, what we really need to be thinking about flu prevention. The past few weeks we have seen the most Tamiflu prescriptions that we have all winter so far. So the immediate threat in our area of the world is influenza. The same prevention techniques that we use for the common cold and influenza, also work for coronavirus. 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. Below are the current CDC recommendations for everyday habits everyone should be following to help prevent the spread of any respiratory disease--be it the common cold, influenza or coronavirus:

* Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.

* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions.

The CDC's recommendations for using a facemask

* CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

* Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks are also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone who is ill (at home or in a health care facility).

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include:

* Fever

* Cough

* Shortness of breath

If you are sick:

* Stay at home, except to get medical care.

* People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

* Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.

* People: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home.

* Animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.

* If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

* You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.

* You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

* Monitor your symptoms.

* Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed. Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.

* If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.