Information from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control): CDC Coronavirus Information

Information from WHO (World Health Organization): WHO Coronavirus FAQs

 

Patient Self Assessment Tool

If you have symptoms of respiratory illness (e.g., fever, cough and/or shortness of breath), answer the following questions:

 

1. Have you recently traveled outside the country? Current countries at high risk include all Asian countries, Italy, and Iran.

• Yes

• No

 

2. Have you been in close contact with anyone known or suspected to have the COVID-19 coronavirus illness? Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for 3 minutes or more. 

• Yes

• No

 

If you answered yes to one or both of these questions and have respiratory symptoms: 

• Stay home and call Kerrville Pediatrics: 830-257-1440. A patient representative will take your information and have a healthcare provider contact you within 24 hours to provide additional information and discuss the best options for you.

• If you believe your symptoms are life threatening, go to the nearest hospital emergency department. We recommended that you call the emergency department immediately so the staff can provide you with arrival instructions. 

• If you do not have respiratory illness symptoms, please refer to information below or contact your local health department. 

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Where has coronavirus/COVID-19 been detected?

Currently, coronavirus/COVID-19 has been detected in over 60 countries. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar reported on Sunday, March 1 that there were 23 cases in the United States not associated with the repatriation of American citizens from overseas. He stated that more cases in additional states are likely. States with confirmed COVID-19 cases include Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York and Massachusetts. The first reported COVID-19 death in the United States was reported in the state of Washington on Sunday, March 1.

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Should I wear a face mask when I am in public?

Face masks for the general public are not recommended. American Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, has shared that face masks are not effective in the prevention of COVID-19. In fact, the purchase of face masks by the general public is creating a shortage for those most in need: healthcare workers caring for patients with known or suspected infection. The government has now contracted 3M to produce an additional 30 million face masks per month to meet growing use.

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What is coronavirus/COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new variant of a common family of viruses called coronaviruses. These viruses typically cause respiratory tract infections ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Though most commonly found in animals like cattle, cats and bats, some coronaviruses can infect and spread between humans, such as COVID-19 and SARS.

 

How is it transmitted?

Just like the flu, the coronavirus is spread through coughing, sneezing and close personal contact with other people.

 

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms related to COVID-19 coronavirus infection range from mild to severe respiratory symptoms. Most patients have fever, cough and body aches. In more severe infections, symptoms may include shortness of breath and/or pneumonia. Symptoms typically appear between two and 14 days after exposure to an infected person.

 

Am I at risk?

The risk to you remains very low. Those at highest risk have recently travelled to countries including China and South Korea, followed by Iran, Italy and Japan. People who have had close personal contact with travelers to these countries who now exhibit respiratory symptoms are also at a higher risk. At this point, you are at far greater risk of contracting the flu (get your flu shot today; it is not too late), which in 2018-2019 led to 34,000 deaths in the U.S.