3.  If you have flu-like symptoms, first and foremost quarantine yourself. You may call me at any time. We do not want you in the office, we want to handle it by phone.

4.  I want to keep all people with respiratory issues out of the building and deal with any issue by phone or Face Time. This limits your exposure!

5.  It is much more likely that if you have respiratory symptoms, you have a simple cold or allergies as the pollen season starts to accelerate.

6.  Keep reminding yourself that most patients who contract this virus will have mild symptoms and, in many cases, will not even know they're sick.

7.  Testing for COVID-19 is still limited, but available, if you meet specific criteria.  I do believe that widespread testing will likely be available within the next 2 weeks. 

8.  The only reason to test is if symptoms are worsening, high fever, shortness of breath, cough, particularly if you are >60 years old. And if you require testing, I will help facilitate this.

9.  If you have mild symptoms and feel you want to be tested, think again; you definitely want to avoid areas with a concentrated area of possible patients (ERs, Urgent Cares, etc).

10. I am optimistic that our efforts so far will contain this and we will see a decline in cases within the next 2 weeks. This has to do with our efforts as well as the natural life cycle of Corona viruses, which tend to peak in early March and then recede as we get into warmer weather.

Do's and don't's:

First, our nation has never really faced anything quite like this. We will prevail, and it is an opportunity to be ready in a more disciplined and organized fashion for the next time. But we will get through this.

This do's and don't's list is a synopsis from a published post (Kevin MD) from an emergency room doctor 2 days ago, Rada Jones MD.

Do:

1.  Relax, the worst part of all this is fear. Remember that more people die from the flu, car accidents or guns. Over 1500 people every week die from the flu, over 700 people every week die from car crashes.

2.  Wash your hands like your life depends on. This means be careful with doorknobs, elevator buttons or somebody else's hand. And especially money, because nobody washes money.

3.  Cough and sneeze in your elbow or shoulder or in a tissue, but not your hand.

4.  Stay home if you are sick. This rule applies to everybody!

5.  Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including your cell phone.

6.  Avoid meetings in crowded spaces. If you are over 60 years old, reschedule elective doctor visits, dentist visits, surgery..

7.  Get some fresh air, do not mingle in places with a lot of people.

8.  Do not touch your face!  If you must, at least wash your hands first and then again after.

9.  Stay well-hydrated with water. Note: Corona beer is not named after this virus or contaminated with the virus; it will not give you any disease unless you share the bottle was somebody who has Coronavirus!

10. If you have fever and body aches, it is more likely, in this area, that you have a viral illness that is not Corona.  Sequester yourself, take Motrin or Tylenol and if things are getting worse call me!

11.  Remember, unless you are old and ill, you will likely make a full recovery even if you catch it. 

12.  Get your rest, get proper amounts of exercise and sleep, and eat well. All of these keep your immune system healthy. And it's your immune system that defends us against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and cancer. This is occurring every microsecond of every day.

Don't's:

1.  Do not shake hands. It is now socially acceptable to give a non-contact bump either with your fist or your foot. Resist the social temptation for a hug, kiss on the cheek, or handshake.

2.  Do not eat, drink or scratch your face if you have not first just washed your hands with soap and water. If soap and water is not available, a hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol is effective.

3.  Do not visit all you can eat buffets, do not try food samples.

4.  Do not share masks and remember masks are helpful if you are sick to contain your bugs, unless it is properly fitted, it will not protect you from other bugs.

5.  Do not go visit people at the hospital, nursing home or a group home unless you really have to get there. And of course by all means do not go if you're not feeling well..

6.  Do not share drinks, food, or cutlery. Do not let people taste your food and do not try theirs no matter what.

7.  Do not believe all the crazy stuff you might read on social media - stick with the facts!

And a final, lighter note:

Since you all know I'm a dog-lover, I read yesterday that the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that dogs cannot get Covid-19.  Dogs can be released from quarantine.  I guess you can say that "WHO let the dogs out"!  Click here

I will continue to send out updates as clinically needed. Remember, we are in this together and the rules apply to everybody.

Wishing you well--hao