In December of 2019 the Coronavirus, now known as Covid-19, first began infecting people in mainland China. Since that time the virus has quickly spread across China, Asia, Europe and into the United States. We have now had our first confirmed cases in Montana and it is just a matter of time before we begin seeing cases in our immediate area. With the virus spreading so rapidly and steadily we want to give you some helpful information to assist in protecting you and your family.
Stay Home - Stay home if you are sick. If you are not out in public it reduces your chances of further spreading the virus.
Cover your cough - Cover your cough and by coughing into your elbow not your hands you reduce spreading germs.
Clean and Disinfect - Frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects with a household cleaning spray or wipe you also help reduce spreading germs.
Avoid Contact with Sick People - The best way to not get Covid-19 is to avoid contact with people who are sick who could be carrying the virus.
Avoid Touching Your Face - The mucous membranes in and around your eyes, nose and mouth are especially susceptible to the virus.
Wash Your Hands - Washing your hands thoroughly and often is one of the most important steps in preventing the spread of Covid-19.
For More Information - Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/index.html
Who is at the highest risk?
Based on the information coming out of China the following are at a higher risk.
Older Adults
People with Serious Medical Conditions Such as:
Heart Disease
Diabetes
Lung Disease
The Following Flow Chart Indicates Level of Risk
What should you do if you think you have the Covid-19 virus?
If you believe you have the Covid-19 virus remember the virus is spread person-to-person and mainly through respiratory droplets and can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Stay Home - If you are mildly sick with the virus you can self isolate at home. You should avoid any outside activities except to receive medical care.
Stay Away From Others - Avoid contact with others in your home and try and stay in a separate room. If you can use a different bathroom than non-ill people.
Before Visiting Your Doctor Call Ahead - If you are visiting a healthcare provider call and tell them that you may have Covid-19. This will help the provider prepare the office to take steps to keep others from getting exposed.
If You Have a Medical Emergency and Need to Call 911 - If you call 911 notify dispatch that you have flu symptoms or are concerned you may have COVID-19. If possible you should put a facemask on before emergency services arrive. This is critical for the safety of the emergency personnel and for anyone that they may treat after you.
Kalispell Regional Healthcare's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Doug Nelson hosted a Q&A Session on Facebook Live to answer questions regarding the Covid-19 virus.
You can access that here:
For the latest updates from Kalispell Regional Healthcare's Facebook page please visit https://www.facebook.com/KalispellRegionalHealthcare/
For the latest in Montana’s fight against the Covid-19 Coronavirus please visit https://covid19.mt.gov/
For the latest from the CDC please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html