As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation evolves here in Australia, I wanted to provide an update to all of our patients, in particular our pregnant women.
Firstly, there is no evidence at this stage that suggests pregnant women are at greater risk from the virus. However, it is natural to feel concerned and anxious about your health and that of your baby. If you have any concerns or you start feeling unwell please contact my rooms 07 5597 3770 or contact your GP.
Those at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are elderly people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma and heart disease.
However, it is vital that each and every one of us take action to protect ourselves, our children, our families and our community by*:
- Staying at home if you are unwell
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, or cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rubs
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing
- Avoiding touching your face, nose and mouth. And avoid shaking hands
- Avoiding contact with anyone who is unwell – try to stay 1.5m away from anyone coughing or sneezing.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that is spread between people, usually when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of COVID-19 might include*:
- fever
- a cough
- sore throat
- fatigue
- shortness of breath.
The current advice from Queensland Health is that if you have any of these symptoms and have returned from overseas in the past 14 days, you should contact your doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
If you have an appointment with Dr Cary and you have any of the above symptoms, please let us know before your appointment by phoning our rooms 07 5597 3770. If appropriate, we may be able to organise for a teleconference appointment.
If you are coming in for an appointment, please limit the number of people you bring with you, and if possible, please come on your own.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19
