Good day from Noah Foot and Ankle Center,
We want to assure you that we take the health and well-being of our community, patients, and associates very seriously. Like you, we're closely monitoring the quickly developing effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Now, we better understand the behavior of COVID-19. Through autopsies, the virus is characterized by a thick mucus obstructing respiratory pathways that solidifies and blocks airways and lungs. For medicine and treatments to work, the airways must be opened. This can unfortunately take several days, which is why those with underlying respiratory conditions and elders are at a higher risk of complications.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have some tips and recommendations to safeguard yourself during this uncertain time:
Drink lots of hot liquids; coffee, tea, soups, and warm water.
Take a sip of warm water every 20 minutes. This keeps your mouth moist and washes any of the virus that has entered your mouth and pushes it into your stomach where the gastric juices will neutralize it before it can get to your lungs.
Gargle with an antiseptic in warm water such as salt, vinegar, or lemon juice every if possible.
This virus attaches itself to hair and clothes. Any detergent or soap kills it. Take a shower immediately when coming from outside and shampoo your hair.
Wash metallic surfaces. The virus can remain viable on this surface for up to 9 days. When not in your home, wear gloves if possible to avoid touching hand rails, door knobs, etc. If you can't wear gloves or don't have any, wash your hands immediately and then shower.
Regardless if you've gone outside, wash your hands every 20 minutes with soap that foams and do it for 20 seconds.
Eat fruits and vegetables. Try to elevate your zinc levels.
Animals do NOT spread the virus to people. It is a person to person transmission.
Try to avoid eating and drinking too many cold things.
If you feel and soar throat coming on, gargle with antiseptic immediately. Do it every hour. The virus enters through the throat where it remains for 3-4 days before then passes to the lungs.
We are all in this together. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will follow guidance from public health officials and government agencies, so we can continue to support our patients and communities as needed.
For more information about COVD-19 and what you can do to keep healthy and safe, visit the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov or your local health department's website.
Best,
The Noah Foot and Ankle Team