The El Paso Pulmonary Team knows the importance of making sure patients are well taken care of and well informed. That’s why we’ve provided an informational web page to give you all the information you need to know about COVID-19, including resources for further reading.
Because We Care…
what is coronavirus?
COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus that causes a respiratory illness called Coronavirus 2019, or COVID-19, that is transmittable from one person to another. Its first instances were reported during an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
How does the virus spread?
And who is at risk?
Coronavirus 2019 spreads through contact with another person who has the virus. Much like the flu, a person’s risk of infection is higher when he or she has been in close contact with someone with the virus. Others at high risk of infection include those in areas where COVID-19 is known to be spreading.
high-risk individuals
Older adults (aged 60 and over) are among the groups at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19.
Other high-risk groups include pregnant women and individuals with a compromised immune system such as those living with lung disease, diabetes, and HIV.
What are the symptoms?
The respiratory illness caused by COVID-19 causes symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, and cough. In extreme cases, patients have developed pneumonia or experienced multi-organ failure and death.
Emergency warning signs
If you are exhibiting any of the following symptoms, make sure to get immediate medical attention:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face
what can I do to protect myself from the virus?
Practicing good hygiene and social isolation are the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Wash your hands often and thoroughly
Make sure to wash your hands often with soap for at least twenty seconds and use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands and try to avoid close contact with anyone who may be sick.
Avoid close contact with others
The latest guidelines imposed by the White House and the CDC urge citizens to practice social distancing in order to protect yourself, loved ones, and those at higher risk of infection. Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, work from home when possible, and minimize or avoid shopping trips, unnecessary travel, or social events.
In need of a consult with one of our physicians?
Because we care, we are providing patients with online consultations to take the place of office visits during this precarious time. Visit our TeleVisits page to find out how you can schedule an online appointment.
Information gathered from The Center for Disease Control’s COVID-19 disease guide.
Updates on COVID-19
As new cases keep emerging worldwide, it is important to emphasize that containing further spread starts with you.
Making sure to practice good hand washing, disinfecting your home, office, and all belongings, and avoiding crowded areas or people known to have been exposed to the virus are still the best tools for defense against contracting it yourself.
One known fact is that older adults and people living with chronic illnesses are more susceptible to the disease caused by COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control provides information these groups should know to stay safe.
Bringing your inhalers with you will help YOU get the medicine you need and secondarily: keep others safe. Prevention is the key