Dallas Physicians Prepared for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

DALLAS, March 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Physician members of the Dallas County Medical Society are working closely with the Dallas County Health & Human Services Department (DCHHS) in response to COVID-19 infections in our community.

Mitigating an infectious disease like COVID-19 requires a community-wide response. Although many infected persons may have little or no symptoms, they can still spread the virus to chronically ill and elderly persons who may experience serious illness. It is important that everyone in our community follow public and personal health recommendations.

During an outbreak like COVID-19, physicians understand that members of the community have many general questions. We recommend visiting the DCHHS website, www.dallascounty.org, and click on 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the 'hot links' section, as an important first step to get your general questions answered. You can also call the DCHHS concerned citizen call center at 972-692-2780, between 9:00 am-3:30 pm, Monday - Friday.

Dallas physicians are always prepared to assist patients who have become ill. The public can assist their doctors and the public health community by following these steps if you are feeling symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., fever, cough, runny nose):

    --  Stay home and avoid interacting with other people and pets. Choose a
        room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members
        from those who are healthy.
    --  Do not go to the emergency room unless directed by your doctor, or your
        illness is worsening as indicated by increasing weakness, high fever,
        shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
    --  Call you doctor's office on the telephone and be prepared to describe
        your symptoms and your travel history. Be sure to mention if you have
        interacted with anyone who recently traveled or who is sick.
    --  Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the
        trash.
    --  Clean frequently-touched surfaces and objects (e.g., tables,
        countertops, light switches, doorknobs, bathrooms, and cabinet handles)
        using a regular household detergent and water.
    --  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
        especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing
        your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily
        available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
    --  Your physician is the best resource to evaluate your illness and
        determine if a COVID-19 lab test is needed.
    --  Speak with your doctor's office on the phone to determine the
        appropriate treatment for you, whether they would like you to come to
        their office for an in-person visit, or if you will be monitored at
        home.

The Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) was established in 1876 as a professional association for physicians. DCMS members are physicians, medical students and residents-in-training dedicated to serving the health care needs of the residents of Dallas County, Texas. With over 8,400 members, DCMS is the second-largest medical society in the United States.

Media Contact: Pam Lowery, Director of Communications
Phone: 614-779-9982
Email: pamela@dallas-cms.org

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SOURCE Dallas County Medical Society