COVID-19
COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that is causing a health crisis and pandemic worldwide. The disease often involves respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath as well as fever. Some individuals have no symptoms and some individuals have severe symptoms. Those who are at most risk are older patients, especially those with chronic medical problems.
Many individuals are not necessarily at heightened risk and certainly this has added to the idea that this virus "isn't a big deal" or is "just another cold". Although it is true many will have mild symptoms, we can't forget that many of our older loved ones are at risk, so it is crucial that everyone exercise precautions to help limit and control the spread and impact of this new illness and to "flatten the curve" - that is, spread out, over time, the number of people needing intensive care.
It is important to follow the following precautions:
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Avoid crowded areas
- Cough/sneeze into your elbow/arm
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home if you are sick
- Wash your hands regularly
- Clean and disinfect your house regularly, including door knobs, light switches, faucets, and other regularly touched surfaces
- Avoid shaking hands with others
- Wear a face mask when community guidelines recommend it
If you are concerned that you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if you are concerned you or a loved one has COVID-19, please call your health provider first . Please do not walk-in to the clinic, an urgent care clinic, or an ER and then tell someone you have been exposed. Please stay in your car and call the office, the urgent care office, or the local ER if you are concerned that you or your child may have COVID-19. We will ask you some questions and then direct you to where you need to go to be screened (typically either Conway Regional Medical Center or Arkansas Children's Hospital).
The Children's Clinic of Conway and Greenbrier recommends face masks or coverings be worn by our families or visitors. We also screen all individuals that enter our buildings for COVID-19. Finally our staff wear PPE as appropriate given community spread and the current situation.
We are offering alternative visits such as telemedicine (for certain types of visits) for those not wanting to enter the building.
Finally, before traveling to a new area, check to see if there is a COVID-19 outbreak in that area and, if there is an outbreak or significant risk of traveling, choose a different location to travel to or take appropriate precautions if travel is unavoidable.
Stay safe everyone, practice washing hands, not shaking hands, and coughing into your arm with your children so it's "second nature"!
The Children's Clinic of Conway and Greenbrier