The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging communities across the US to prepare for the possibility of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) becoming widespread. There are currently two cases in Georgia, in the metro Atlanta area. Both cases are not hospitalized, and are recuperating at home. As the virus continues to spread, there will likely be more cases that occur close to home.
Upson Regional Medical Center asks travel questions of every patient coming into the facility, and are paying close attention to the travel histories of patients who have been to an area where COVID-19 is occurring.
“Upson Regional Medical Center is using the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health to prepare our community. Our hospital is ready to take care of our residents and provide the best care possible as we face this challenge,” said Daniel McBride, Director of Infection Prevention and Occupational Health.
Coronavirus presents much like many other respiratory illnesses. The main symptoms are coughing and fever. Sometimes, body aches, headache, and diarrhea are also present. The virus can be more severe in certain populations, such as the elderly, and those who are immune compromised. They are more prone to developing severe disease.
Coronavirus spreads from person to person through droplets from coughing or sneezing. Droplets travel up to six feet through the air, and land where they can be picked up by touching contaminated surfaces. Hand hygiene is critical to breaking the spread of infection, especially after touching a potentially contaminated surface and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
It's best to stay home if you are not well. If you feel you need medical attention, call your doctor or emergency care center for guidance. As always, if you have a true emergency, go to the nearest emergency care center.
See the links below for further information on COVID-19.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus
