Resources for COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Written By Annette Sacksteder

Resources to Support You

As you are aware King County has confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. The following is to provide information regarding RNHC policies and additional resources to help keep you and your family informed and safe.

It is important that we all take personal responsibility to prevent the spread of this virus.

EVERYONE please follow the CDC recommendations:

  • Stay home when you are sick. Staying home when ill prevents the spread of infections to others. This is hard for many of us to do but even mild symptoms can transmit this virus.

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, discard the used tissue and then wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

  • Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (long enough to sing happy birthday twice) or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol). Watch the following for directions on how to effectively wash hands. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IisgnbMfKvI

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask:

    • Face masks are not recommend for people who are well.

    • Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings.

  • People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:

    • People 60 and older

    • People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes

    • People who have weakened immune systems

    • People who are pregnant

Additional Precautions

  • Avoid shaking hands with people (express your delight to see them with a smile and a warm welcome).

  • Social distancing. Avoiding large crowds. 3-6 feet from people.

Symptoms

  • The vast majority of people with COVID-19 experience mild cold and flu-like symptoms, like fever and cough. A much smaller percentage of cases are severe and involve pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions.

Transmission

  • The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that travel through the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes.

  • The virus may also live on surfaces that people have coughed and sneezed on. If you touch a surface with the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes, you may get sick.

When to seek medical advice

  • If you have symptoms like cough, fever, shortness of breath or other respiratory problems, call Dr. Sacksteder @ 206-528-1088 to assess next step by phone.

  • If you have active symptoms or have had exposure to anyone with suspected Coronavirus, do not come to RNHC to avoid infecting others. Isolate yourself and wear a mask before leaving the house. Do not go to the emergency room unless you are critically ill.

  • The WA State Department of Health has designated a special line for COVID-19 concerns at 1-800-525-0127 (press #). They can advise you on the next steps.

  • If you are having a medical emergency, call 911

  • RNHC will be calling all patients the day prior to appointments for pre-screening. If you cancel your appointment due to feeling ill, the late cancellation fee will be waived.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH THESE RELIABLE RESOURCES

Wishing you and your family good health and peace of mind during these very dynamic times. Do not hesitate to call with any questions. I am now offering telehealth appointments. Check if your insurance includes this benefit.

Yours in Health,
Dr. S.


Annette Sacksteder https://drsacksteder.com
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