Q: How can I protect myself?
A: The best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands often with soap or hand sanitizer. You should also avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
Q: Should I use a facemask?
A: The CDC is recommending that everyone should wear a mask in public. A facemask can help prevent spreading the disease to others.
Q: If I have symptoms and think I may have been exposed to the virus, what should I do?
A: As with any illness, if you are experiencing symptoms it is important to take steps to prevent spreading the virus. If you are experiencing only mild symptoms, you should isolate yourself at home during your illness, and you should restrict your activities outside of your home, except for getting medical care. It is important to avoid public places like work, school, and grocery stores.
If you are feeling too ill to remain at home, you should seek medical attention. In order for Gritman to provide the appropriate precautions and ensure public, patient and staff safety, we ask that you call our Emergency Department before presenting yourself.
We also recommend wearing a mask if you have symptoms. Remember, masks do not protect you from being infected, but they help to prevent the spread of the virus from an infected person. Masks are available at the registration desks at each of our clinics and Gritman Medical Center for patients experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing or fever.
As always, if you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
Q: Where can I get the latest and most reliable information about the virus?
A: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and idahopublichealth.com/