To slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the community, healthcare professionals and staff, Plessen Healthcare will continue to provide both medical and surgical services but will implement the following important precautions and procedural changes at its Orange Grove Medical Campus:
Patients coming to the Medical and Surgical Center will need to be physically separated to reduce the risk of transmission.
In order to avoid aggregation in the waiting rooms, all patients must stay outside and maintain sufficient separation.
The staff will come to them and assess their needs.
If symptomatic, The Center will provide people with a mask and may ask them to wait in their cars or in a sequestered seat until they are brought to a designated examination area. Plessen Center will utilize outside examination areas for symptomatic patients and possibly evaluate patients in their cars if needed.
Non-symptomatic patients will be brought in and asked to sterilize their hands before being brought into an examination room.
As has been our standard practice since inception, Plessen will continue to follow internal infection control policies and procedures, including disinfection of the examination rooms between visits.
Plessen asks that patients, especially those over 65 and those with chronic illnesses, consider changing their appointments to a Telemedicine visit with their provider. The staff will call the person ahead of the scheduled appointment for the person to consider this option and help with instructions on how to use Telemedicine.
Flatten the Curve:
The term “flatten the curve” refers to measures taken, as soon as possible, to lower the rate of infection and transmission of the virus to avoid taxing the healthcare infrastructure with a spike of patients in need of medical attention all at one time.
In order to slow down the spread of COVID-19, Plessen recommends members of the community consider practicing social separation and decrease physical interactions whenever possible for the next 15 days.
“The reason behind this is to slow down the rate of transmission and the amount of new sick people per week. In this way the healthcare infrastructures can be better prepared to take care of the ones that get sick. If we are overrun with a large group of severely ill people, we will not be able to tend to everyone in need appropriately,” said Dr. Jan Tawakol, Plessen Healthcare founder.
Understanding the Stages and Symptoms of COVID-19 Infection:
The incubation period for COVID-19 is thought to be within 14 days following exposure, with most cases occurring approximately four to five days after exposure.
The virus first settles in the throat, causing inflammation and a dry throat sensation in some patients: this symptom can last 3 to 4 days.
The virus then travels down in the airways, descends into the trachea, and settles into the lungs, causing pneumonia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), recovery time appears to be around two weeks for mild infections and three to six weeks for severe disease.
Pneumonia presents often with high fever and difficulty breathing.
If a person feels he or she is choking or short of breath, they should contact the doctor immediately.
What You Can Do to Help Reduce Transmission:
Prepare for a 15-day self-sequestration at home with the necessary groceries and supplies.
Wipe down surroundings daily with an anti-septic cleaning product, particularly high-touch areas like doorknobs and handles, faucets and counters.
Wipe down high-touch appliances and devices, like computer keyboards and mobile devices.
Wash hands regularly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, even if not coming into contact with anyone.
Do not share utensils, glasses, plates and foods. Keep towels and bed sheets separate.
Cover sneezes and coughs appropriately.
Check in with family, friends and neighbors with FaceTime, Skype or other social media application.
Tips for Reducing Viral Load and Boosting One’s Immune System:
Gargle with an antiseptic mouthwash or warm water with salt to minimize the amount of virus that could enter the throat.
Make sure to keep the throat moist, drink a few sips of water at least every 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid ice water; opt for room temperature.
Consider Influenza and Pneumovax vaccinations.
Take supplements to strengthen the immune system.
Higher doses of Vitamin C than the daily recommended allowance may help to boost the immune response. Patients with kidney issues should avoid taking more than 500 mg daily.
Supplement with Vitamins D and E as well as Zinc.
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Drink warm or even hot beverages and teas. Use some honey.
If able, get moderate exercise and sunshine while practicing social distancing.
Consider utilizing higher temperatures to curb the virus:
The COVID-19 virus is heat sensitive; however, environmental temperatures likely will not destroy it, and higher temperatures are needed. Some measures may help at home:
Consider sterilizing home utensils in hot water. Use a dishwasher with heating cycle if available.
Wash clothes in hot water.
Practice steam therapy up to three times per day if needed: Prepare a steaming bowl of hot water with chamomile, herbs or essential oils of your choice. Place the face over the bowl with a towel over the head to capture the steam. This is especially helpful if a person notices a sinus issue.
Please consult with a physician if there are any medical issues or questions before exposing yourself to any of the possible preventative measures above.
Plessen continues to urge patients to utilize Plessen Healthcare’s Telemedicine option instead of visiting the office whenever possible.
To make an appointment please call 715-7720, contact Plessen Healthcare Clinic via the website: www.plessenhealthcare.com/contact or by email myhealth@plessenhealthcare.com
For the most up to date information, contact the V.I. Department of Health or refer to www.cdc.gov for daily updates.
