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David Katzman, MD & Jennifer DeLaney, MD Internal Medicine Specialists |
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How to Handle a COVID-19 Infection
David Katzman, MD
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Given the resurgence in COVID-19, we have been seeing more infections in our patients and their family members. Since odds are rising that someone in your family will become exposed, here are our recommendations on how to care for individuals with COVID-19 and those with concerning symptoms or awaiting test results:
- The individual should be separated from other household members, including pets, and should have their own room and bathroom if possible. Consider placing an air purifier with a HEPA filter in their room. If another person needs to be in the same room, which should be minimized, a mask should be worn at all times by both parties. It’s ok, however, to leave your mask off if not in the same room as each other.
- Those who test positive or are sick should avoid all public places and outdoor socializing even if you have a mask.
- All household members should wash hands often and common surfaces should be routinely disinfected. Food and utensils should not be shared.
- If one is symptomatic, offer supportive care with acetaminophen or ibuprofen and hydration; monitor for worsening symptoms, especially trouble breathing; stay in close contact with us regarding any changes.
- Even if test results are negative in a symptomatic individual, we recommend that you follow the above guidelines for a period of 10 days given the fairly high false-negative rate of the swab testing.
- If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should also quarantine for a period of 14 days. If you develop symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting tested as well.
For those positive with COVID-19, we unfortunately are not allowed to end your quarantine per health department rules. You’ll need to wait for clearance from them as this cannot be done by your doctor. The health department individualizes each case and uses a timeline along with symptoms to determine when the quarantine should be released. Generally, it will be a window of 10-14 days.
By strictly following these guidelines, you will minimize risk to others and help all of us avoid acquiring this infection. The number of cases has risen 250% in Missouri and your chances of exposure have risen dramatically as well. Please don’t become complacent. Continue to wear a mask with any interaction you have with a non-household member.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
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Testing for COVID-19
Jennifer DeLaney, MD |
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I am sure you have seen in the news about the recent spike in COVID-19 cases nationwide and significant increases here in Missouri where the average daily number of cases has tripled in the past month.
The recent surge in COVID-19 has led to critical shortages in testing capabilities and increasing waiting times (up to 10 days) for the results. We have very limited supplies of testing kits from Quest Labs and BJC. Unfortunately, as a result we are unable to test everyone who wants to be tested.
At present, per health department guidelines, we are only able to test the following patients:
- Patients with symptoms compatible with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, etc.
- Patients about to be hospitalized for a procedure.
- Exposed health care workers, first responders and people in group-living facilities.
- Patients in whom there has been household exposure to Covid-19 positive individual.
Unfortunately, we currently cannot test patients who have secondary exposure (been exposed to someone who has been exposed to a Covid-19 positive person), those who have completed high-risk activities such as travel, those about to travel, and those who have transient exposure to Covid-19 individuals.
We are equally frustrated by these guidelines but understand that they will allow for timely testing for those most in need, and we hope you understand as well. If and when testing becomes more available, we will certainly offer it and let you know.
Until then, we strongly suggest quarantining for those with lower-risk exposures or potential exposures as outlined in the previous article.
As always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Thank you for understanding as we navigate this complex and uncharted territory together. |
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Our building has asked all offices to limit patients waiting in common areas. When you arrive for your appointment, please call the office from your car. We will let you know when it's okay to come in for your appointment. This allows us to decrease your exposure to any other patients of ours or those of neighboring offices and helps lessen any potential wait time in the hallway for a temperature check. Also please do your best to arrive at your appointment time - not early or late - as this will help with the flow as well. Thank you for your help and cooperation with this! |
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Please visit our website if you have missed any past newsletters. The newsletter archives can be found by hovering your mouse over the "Medical Links" tab. |
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