• Douglas M. Lakin
    Paradise Valley Medical Clinic
    Ph: (480) 614-5800
  • 9977 North 90th Street, Suite 180
    Scottsdale, AZ 85258
    Fax: (480) 614-6322
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COVID-19 Information: What To Do To Prevent COVID? What Do To If I Have COVID?

November 23, 2020 by Doctordoug

I DON’T HAVE COVID AND I DON’T WANT TO GET COVID. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

THIS IS CHECKLIST FOR THOSE OVER 50 (THIS LIST APPLIES TO THE YOUNGER SET BUT THE LEVEL OF CONCERN IS MUCH LESS):

  1. DISTANCING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU DO TO AVOID COVID
  2. WEAR A MASK
  3. WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY, USE HAND SANITIZER FREQUENTLY
  4. WHENEVER AN INTERACTION CAN BE OUTSIDE IT IS FAR SUPERIOR TO INSIDE.   TRY TO DO MORE OUTSIDE INTERACTIONS AND LESS INSIDE INTERACTIONS
  5. REDUCE EXPOSURES
  6. UNDERSTAND RISK BEHAVIORS AND REDUCE THEM
  7. KNOW YOUR RISK LEVEL
  8. GET TESTED IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE COVID OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED
  9. BE PREPARED IF YOU WERE TO GET COVID.       
    1. HAVE A COVID KIT AND UNDERSTANDING OF TREATMENT APPROACHES FOR HOME CARE DURING COVID

DISTANCING:

  • 6+ FEET IS DESIRABLE.
  • OUTDOORS IS DESIRABLE
  • HUGGING GRANDCHILDREN BRIEFLY IS ACCEPTABLE.  OTHERWISE, MAINTAIN DISTANCING
  • HUGGING CHILDREN BRIEFLY IS ACCEPTABLE.  OTHERWISE, MAINTAIN DISTANCING

MASKS:

IN ORDER OF RELIABILITY AND HELPFULNESS

  • THICK CLOTH MASK
  • SURGICAL MASK
  • N-95 VERTICAL DUCKBILL MASK
  • N-95 ROUND MASK

NOT ACCEPTABLE (THESE ARE NOT PROTECTIVE):

  • THIN CLOTH MASKS OR GATERS
  • MASKS WITH VALVES

EXPOSURE RISKS:

COVID RISK GRAPHIC FROM THE STATE OF ARIZONA

The website below provides information and understanding of behaviors and risks:

https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

KNOW YOUR RISK LEVEL:

High risk groups include:

·        Age 75 or over

·        Obesity (BMI 40 or above)

·        Lung disease (emphysema/COPD) or current significant smokers

·        Chronic kidney disease (Stage 4 disease or greater)

·        Diabetes…. not well controlled (glycohemoglobin 8.0 or above)

·        Congestive Heart Failure (for which you take medication)

·        On immune suppressing medications for cancer or rheumatological/inflammatory conditions

Medium Risk groups may want to be more cautious but can increase activities. These include:

·         Men Age 65 to 75

·         Hypertension

·         Diabetes…well controlled

·         Asthma

·         Obesity (BMI 35 or above)

COVID-19 Testing Sites

COVID-19 Testing Information

ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS FOR COVID TESTING OTHER THAN OUR OFFICE:

Arcpoint Labs

https://www.arcpointlabs.com/scottsdale-north

CVS Health

https://cvshealth.com/covid-19/testing-locations

Walgreens

https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing

Aveon Health

http://aveonhealth.com/sick-visit/

Honor Healthcare

https://www.honorhealth.com/coronavirus-covid-19/testing

Mesa Community College System:

https://embrywomenshealth.com/testing-blitz/

Arizona COVID-19 hotline at 844-542-8201 for more information about testing options and availability in your area.

At Home test kits:

 $109 kit:  https://www.everlywell.com/products/covid-19-test

$119 kit:   https://www.letsgetchecked.com/us/en/home-coronavirus-test

Zero Dollars…may be covered by insurance or by US Govt.:

https://www.pixel.labcorp.com/at-home-test-kits/covid-19-test

COVID HOME KIT:

  1. DIGITAL ORAL THERMOMETER:    TO MONITOR FEVER.

 MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Thermometer-Reading-Waterproof-Indicator/dp/B087T3S4TR/ref=sr_1_15?crid=1JFPQFKB9MQAP&dchild=1&keywords=thermometer+for+adults&qid=1597779703&sprefix=ther%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-15

2. PULSE OXIMETER:   TO CHECK OXYGEN LEVELS. 

MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

https://www.amazon.com/Innovo-Fingertip-Oximeter-Plethysmograph-Perfusion/dp/B07YVGZPRZ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1BSNB6NQWTCA7&dchild=1&keywords=innova+oximeter+finger+with+pulse&qid=1597780128&sprefix=innove+oximeter+finger+with+pulse%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-5

OTHER ITEMS FROM THE HOME MEDICAL KIT (SEE BELOW FOR USE OF PRODUCTS):

  • TYLENOL/ADVIL/ OR ALEVE (ADVIL AND ALEVE ARE SAFE IN COVID)
  • Sudafed 30mg tablets
  • Chlorpheniramine 4mg tablets
  • Robitussin DM syrup
  • Imodium AD

CARING FOR YOURSELF IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE COVID OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID:

  1. Check your temperature twice daily and keep a log.  No temperature is dangerous…adults do not have to worry about this.  This is just about monitoring your condition.  If you have concerns, be in touch.
  1. Check oxygen level twice daily and keep a log.  A declining oxygen level can indicate early de-compensation from COVID.   Normal oxygen saturation is 97-100%.    If lower than that it may be normal for you, but the trend is what matters.   If you are declining into the low 90’s, if you are feeling particularly short of breath…then it is time to check checked at the Emergency Room (which is safe to do!)    If you have concerns…be in touch.
  1. Manage symptoms just like any other viral infection (see below)

Most Common Symptoms

They consist of the same set of symptoms as the common cold/rival respiratory syndrome, but they are worse.

Common/Hallmark symptoms:

·        High fever (over 100.4, but can range from 99’s to 104+)

·        Fatigue

·        Cough

Other symptoms can include milder issues:

·        Loss of Smell and/or Taste

·        Nausea without Vomiting

·        Sore Throat

·        Aching muscles throughout the body

·        Headache

·        Occasional diarrhea …

·        Nasal congestion (occasional)

TREATMENT:

Symptomatic treatment for the most bothersome symptoms

  • Plan to:
    Monitor temperature twice daily and record.  
  • Monitor oxygen levels twice daily and record.  If dropping significantly you should be in touch.

Aches and Pains and Fever:

·        Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day is preferred for treating these symptoms, but if not working well, you may use:

·         Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets…1 – 2 x per day,

·        Drink good amounts of clear liquids (anything you can see through)

Sore Throat:

·         Saltwater gargling

1.    Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.

2.    Gargle for 15 seconds and spit.

3.    Repeat during the day every 2 – 4 hours to relieve pain.

·         Pain relief medications: Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets…1 – 2 x per day, or Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day.

Cough:

·        Steam: Either in the form of a hot, steamy shower or using a hot pot of water and covering with a towel and put your head under the towel. Both methods will provide humid air to the irritated air passages and soothe the cough.

·        Cough Syrup: Robitussin DM or Delsym cough syrup can be used to suppress cough.

·        You may require a prescription cough syrup with Codeine.  Contact me if that is the case.

Sinus Congestion and Drainage (RARE SYMPTOM):

·        Use a decongestant such as Sudafed 30mg, 1 – 2 pills up to four times per day, or use a drying antihistamine such as Chlortrimeton 4mg, up to four times per day. Other cold medications (over the counter) can be used.

·         Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra will not work for congestion symptoms from an infection. Do Not Use.

Nausea Treatment:

This is the most difficult issue to treat at home as there is very little one can do to settle the stomach. Coca-Cola with the carbonation eliminated (Flat Coke), Ginger Ale, or Ginger Root…. can be tried, but these are often inadequate, and the key to getting the stomach to settle is getting a good nausea medication.

If nausea is persistent, then calling for a prescription medication is often a good idea. Phenergan (Promethazine), Compazine (prochlorperazine), Zofran (Ondansetron) are very effective in treatment.  Sometimes we use them in combination either as a pill or a suppository.

The KEYS are:

1.   Settling the Stomach…so that liquids can be taken

2.   Focusing on Liquids…so that dehydration does not set in

3.   Eating light foods… if possible (to provide energy for healing). This is not a requirement for healing from an acute GI illness; so, do not feel that the sick person needs to eat food. The only requirement is liquid intake!

When to Seek Medical Assistance

•          There is no medication to treat this virus, so the resolution takes time.

Worsening symptoms/Signs of Complications:

•          If you are getting significantly short of breath please be in touch.  If progressive and worsening, you need to be seen and possibly hospitalized.  Best to go the ER if shortness of breath is a significant symptom

How Long to Recover

•          The COVID is a viral infection that will generally take from 3–7 days to develop, 3-7 days to improve and then from 3-7 days to completely resolve.

I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID…… NOW WHAT DO I DO?????

THIS IS CHECKLIST FOR THOSE OVER 50 (THIS LIST APPLIES TO THE YOUNGER SET BUT THE LEVEL OF CONCERN IS MUCH LESS):

  1. UNDERSTAND THE TIME COURSE OF COVID
  2. QUARANTINE FOR 14 DAYS FROM FIRST SYMPTOMS (IF THIS IS CLEAR) OR FROM THE DATE OF YOUR POSITIVE TEST
  3. MONITOR YOURSELF TWICE DAILY…TEMPERATURE AND OXYGEN LEVELS
  4. HYDRATE WELL, EAT IF YOU CAN
  5. TREAT SYMPTOMS AS REQUIRED
  6. KNOW THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT SYMPTOM IS TO WATCH FOR TRUE SHORTNESS OF BREATH.   IF THAT DEVELOPS, GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM
  7. CONCERNS….BE IN TOUCH DURING YOUR ILLNESS AND PROVIDE US UPDATES ON FEVER AND OXYGEN LEVELS
  8. NO TESTING IS REQUIRED AFTER YOUR ILLNESS, ALTHOUGH YOU CAN HAVE A BLOOD TEST FOR ANTIBODIES AFTER 21 DAYS WHEN YOU ARE FREE

TIME COURSE/EXPECTATIONS:

COVID COURSE:

THREE PHASES OF COVID:

  • JAILBIRD 1-10 DAYS
  • PAROLE BIRD 11-17 DAYS
  • FREE BIRD 17+DAYS

JAILBIRD:   STRICT QUARANTINE……   10 DAYS FROM DATE OF FIRST SIGNIFICANT SYMPTOMS IF OBVIOUS OR FROM DATE OF TESTING IF UNCERTAIN BASED ON SYMPTOMS (MUST ALSO BE FEVER FREE FOR 3 DAYS AS WELL)

PAROLE BIRD:  DAY 11-17…. VERY CAREFUL WITH ALL ATTENTION TO MASKING, DISTANCING, HAND CLEANSING: NEXT 7 DAYS AFTER QUARANTINE

FREE BIRD: DAY 17 AND BEYOND….. NO RESTRICTIONS.

Although I do not recommend testing to prove the virus has cleared after infection, if you have testing and are clear, then the above protocol is not applied.

CARING FOR YOURSELF IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE COVID OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID:

Most Common Symptoms

They consist of the same set of symptoms as the common cold/rival respiratory syndrome, but they are worse.

PAROLE BIRD:   DAY 15-21…. VERY CAREFUL WITH ALL ATTENTION TO MASKING, DISTANCING, HAND CLEANSING:  NEXT  7 DAYS AFTER QUARANTINE

FREE BIRD:  DAY 21 AND BEYOND.  NO RESTRICTIONS.

Although I do not recommend testing to prove the virus has cleared after infection, if you have testing and are clear, then the above protocol is not applied.

QUARANTINING:

  • Do not share a bathroom with housemates if possible. Use your own bathroom.
  • Do not share utensils with others and clean your own utensils and/or use paper/disposable eating materials if possible.
  • Wait 1 day to wash the clothing you wear. Clothing can be washed after sitting out for 24 hours (virus is not transmissible at that point via clothing).   Others can wash your clothes using this approach.  Leaving clothes out in a garage in the heat of summer is a good idea if available to you.
  • Repeatedly cleanse surfaces in areas that you frequent….at least three times per day.
  • Avoid sharing living spaces with housemates, to the extent your living situations allows.
  • Wear a mask & gloves when in the presence of others. Wear when you are with others as much as possible.
  • Wash your hands frequently.  Use cleanser on surfaces frequently.
  • Shower/bathe twice daily if possible.
  • All household contacts should self-quarantine as well with only minimal outside interaction.

COVID HOME KIT:

  1. DIGITAL ORAL THERMOMETER:    TO MONITOR FEVER.

 MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Thermometer-Reading-Waterproof-Indicator/dp/B087T3S4TR/ref=sr_1_15?crid=1JFPQFKB9MQAP&dchild=1&keywords=thermometer+for+adults&qid=1597779703&sprefix=ther%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-15

2 PULSE OXIMETER:   TO CHECK OXYGEN LEVELS. 

MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

https://www.amazon.com/Innovo-Fingertip-Oximeter-Plethysmograph-Perfusion/dp/B07YVGZPRZ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1BSNB6NQWTCA7&dchild=1&keywords=innova+oximeter+finger+with+pulse&qid=1597780128&sprefix=innove+oximeter+finger+with+pulse%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-5

OTHER ITEMS FROM THE HOME MEDICAL KIT (SEE BELOW FOR USE OF PRODUCTS):

  • TYLENOL/ADVIL/ OR ALEVE (ADVIL AND ALEVE ARE SAFE IN COVID)
  • Sudafed 30mg tablets
  • Chlorpheniramine 4mg tablets
  • Robitussin DM syrup
  • Imodium AD

HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO PREVENT OR TREAT COVID AT THIS TIME.   THE DATA DOES NOT SUPPORT Its USE.

CARING FOR YOURSELF IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE COVID OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID:

  1. Check your temperature twice daily and keep a log.  No temperature is dangerous…adults do not have to worry about this.  This is just about monitoring your condition.  If you have concerns, be in touch.
  1. Check oxygen level twice daily and keep a log.  A declining oxygen level can indicate early de-compensation from COVID.   Normal oxygen saturation is 97-100%.    If lower than that it may be normal for you, but the trend is what matters.   If you are declining into the low 90’s, if you are feeling particularly short of breath…then it is time to check checked at the Emergency Room (which is safe to do!)    If you have concerns…be in touch.
  1. Manage symptoms just like any other viral infection (see below)

Most Common Symptoms

They consist of the same set of symptoms as the common cold/rival respiratory syndrome, but they are worse.

Common/Hallmark symptoms:

·        High fever (over 100.4, but can range from 99’s to 104+)

·        Fatigue

·        Cough

Other symptoms can include milder issues:

·        Loss of Smell and/or Taste

·        Nausea without Vomiting

·        Sore Throat

·        Aching muscles throughout the body

·        Headache

·        Occasional diarrhea …

·        Nasal congestion (occasional)

TREATMENT:

Symptomatic treatment for the most bothersome symptoms

  • Plan to:
    Monitor temperature twice daily and record.  
  • Monitor oxygen levels twice daily and record.  If dropping significantly you should be in touch.

Aches and Pains and Fever:

·        Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day is preferred for treating these symptoms, but if not working well, you may use:

·         Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets…1 – 2 x per day,

·        Drink good amounts of clear liquids (anything you can see through)

Sore Throat:

·         Saltwater gargling

1.    Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.

2.    Gargle for 15 seconds and spit.

3.    Repeat during the day every 2 – 4 hours to relieve pain.

·         Pain relief medications: Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets…1 – 2 x per day, or Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day.

DIET RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREVENT DEHYDRATION IN ILLNESS:

Preventing dehydration is of utmost importance in an acute illness.

Clear liquids (any liquid that light can easily shine through) are the best liquids to use. 

These include:

  • Plain Water
  • Gatorade (or other electrolyte solutions that are similar)….do not use sugar-free versions of these drinks as the calories in these drinks are helpful is treating the illness and may be the only calories the person can absorb for the first hours or days
  • Tea
  • Cranberry Juice, Apple Juice (watered down…mixed ½ & ½ with water), White Grape Juice
  • Broth from Chicken Soup, Matzo Ball Soup, Bullion
  • Popsicles

Sipping liquids …sip, sip, sip….and pushing the fluids progressively with time is the most important treatment provided.  Focus on this above all else!

Foods:  Maintaining good dietary intake is important during the acute phase of illness, so long as appetite is present.  Do not push foods if uninterested…focus on liquids.  That said, if appetite remains acceptable, food can consist of anything that interests your appetite and is tolerable.  Healthier choices are best, but if you want a hamburger…go ahead!  Easy to digest foods include:

  • Toast (plain white bread)
  • Crackers (Saltines)
  • Plain Noodles
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Bananas, Citrus fruits
  • Apple Sauce
  • Cooked chicken and meats
  • Macaroni (with or without cheese)
  • Plain Rice

Cough:

·        Steam: Either in the form of a hot, steamy shower or using a hot pot of water and covering with a towel and put your head under the towel. Both methods will provide humid air to the irritated air passages and soothe the cough.

·        Cough Syrup: Robitussin DM or Delsym cough syrup can be used to suppress cough.

·        You may require a prescription cough syrup with Codeine.  Contact me if that is the case.

Sinus Congestion and Drainage (RARE SYMPTOM):

·        Use a decongestant such as Sudafed 30mg, 1 – 2 pills up to four times per day, or use a drying antihistamine such as Chlortrimeton 4mg, up to four times per day. Other cold medications (over the counter) can be used.

·         Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra will not work for congestion symptoms from an infection. Do Not Use.

Nausea Treatment:

This is the most difficult issue to treat at home as there is very little one can do to settle the stomach. Coca-Cola with the carbonation eliminated (Flat Coke), Ginger Ale, or Ginger Root…. can be tried, but these are often inadequate, and the key to getting the stomach to settle is getting a good nausea medication.

If nausea is persistent, then calling for a prescription medication is often a good idea. Phenergan (Promethazine), Compazine (prochlorperazine), Zofran (Ondansetron) are very effective in treatment.  Sometimes we use them in combination either as a pill or a suppository.

The KEYS are:

1.   Settling the Stomach…so that liquids can be taken

2.   Focusing on Liquids…so that dehydration does not set in

3.   Eating light foods… if possible (to provide energy for healing). This is not a requirement for healing from an acute GI illness; so, do not feel that the sick person needs to eat food. The only requirement is liquid intake!

When to Seek Medical Assistance

•          There is no medication to treat this virus, so the resolution takes time.

Worsening symptoms/Signs of Complications:

•          If you are getting significantly short of breath please be in touch.  If progressive and worsening, you need to be seen and possibly hospitalized.  Best to go the ER if shortness of breath is a significant symptom

How Long to Recover

•          The COVID is a viral infection that will generally take from 3–7 days to develop, 3-7 days to improve and then from 3-7 days to completely resolve.

Filed Under: homepage-updates

INTERNET SITES WITH THE BEST COVID-19 INFORMATION: UPDATED

July 2, 2020 by Doctordoug

Risks with different activities…how to gauge risk:

https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

 

Accurate US statistics by age on COVID infections:

https://www.acsh.org/news/2020/06/23/coronavirus-covid-deaths-us-age-race-14863

 

What we can expect of COVID in next 1 year:

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/default/files/public/downloads/cidrap-covid19-viewpoint-part1_0.pdf

 

Can follow here  for ARIZONA UPDATES DAILY  and best trending information to know what is out in the community:

https://covidactnow.org/us/az?s=44750

 

Most informative graphics:

https://www.acsh.org/news/2020/06/02/every-picture-tells-story-covid-roundup-14825

 

Get your Mask up to N95 Level:

https://www.fixthemask.com

 

If you have symptoms of COVID….you can run through a simple checklist on-line to see if you should be concerned:

https://c19check.com/start

 

Filed Under: homepage-updates

Nose & Mouth Coverings in Our Office

May 16, 2020 by Doctordoug

At our office, we are continuing to following CDC guidelines and will strive for ways to keep our patients and staff safe.

We are requiring that all patients and visitors entering our office cover their nose and mouth at all times.

Masks have been shown to decrease the spread of coronavirus from infected people, even those who do not have symptoms.

We have a limited supply of paper mask and will make these available to patients while they last, however, we strongly encourage you to bring your own covering.

 

Stay healthy & safe!

Dr. Lakin

Filed Under: homepage-updates

Breaking News: FDA Gives OK For Anti-Inflammatory Medication in COVID

March 23, 2020 by Doctordoug

FDA advises patients on use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for COVID-19

Read more Here>>>>>>CLICK HERE!

Filed Under: homepage-updates

PANDEMIC COVID-19: READ HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

February 23, 2020 by Doctordoug

 

IT’S TIME FOR ACTION!
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT AS IT IS OF IMPORTANCE TO ALL PATIENTS
We will be emailing you weekly during the COVID-19 PANDEMIC to provide you with the latest information and instructions to deal with the current outbreak as it develops in the metro Phoenix area.
The goals for our city are to “bend the curve”, which means to prevent maximum levels of COVID-19 so that our healthcare system can care for those who need more intensive treatment. Please see below for how to achieve best results for yourself and our community.
Each of us is responsible for doing our part, our duty.  I like to recall what Mr. Roger’s mother said to inspire him:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news,” Rogers said to his television neighbors, my mother would say to me,
‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
Let us do our best to be the helpers she spoke of, in ways …. large and small.
Yours in good health,
Dr. Lakin

   COVID-19 SUMMARY:

REDUCE RISK BY REDUCING CONTACT WITH THE VIRUS

REDUCE CONTACT WITH THE VIRUS BY:

  1. Washing hands frequently….20 seconds is advised, but any hand washing is helpful.
  2. Wear a mask or face covering when out in public.
  3. Use hand cleanser in between washings…if available.
  4. Clean your cell phone daily with a cleansing wipe or UV light.
  5. Shower or bathe daily.  Twice daily if you want to feel more relaxed.
  6. Do not Pick Nose, Rub Eyes, or Pick Teeth with your fingers
  7. Do not go out or to work if you are ill…. or think you are ill.  If you are unsure, check your temperature. If over 99.8 you should not be going out.
  8. If someone in your house is ill, treat them as though they have COVID.  Have them get tested and you should quarantine as well.
  9. Stay away from people who are sick with COVID. Only caregivers should be in contact with COVID patients and they practice high level cleaning to prevent spread.
  10. Maintain physical distancing practices, avoid getting within 6 feet of people (other than immediate household occupants)
  11. Limit your activities to the minimum interactions you can do to maintain your daily living.
  12. Leave mail and other paper products for one to two days on the shelf or in the garage (outside the house) …then bring them in after sitting for 24-48 hours to reduce the potential for transmission.
  13. Groceries cleaning should be considered, although not as strict as initially indicated when the pandemic began.   See this video link for excellent detailed information:   Click Here

IF YOU ARE SYMPTOMATIC AND HAVE BEEN TOLD YOU MAY HAVE COVID ……BUT TESTING HAS NOT BEEN DONE YET …….DO AS FOLLOWS:

  • Self-Quarantine for 14 days from the start of illness and FOR at least 3 days after fever and major symptoms have resolved.
  • Do not share a bathroom with housemates if possible. Use your own bathroom.
  • Do not share utensils with others and clean your own utensils and/or use paper/disposable eating materials.
  • Wait 1 day to wash the clothing you wear. Clothing can be washed after sitting out for 24 hours (virus is not transmissible at that point via clothing).   Others can wash your clothes using this approach.
  • Avoid sharing living spaces with housemates, to the extent your living situations allows.
  • Wash your hands frequently. Use cleanser on surfaces frequently.
  • Wear a mask & gloves when in the presence of others. Wear when you are with others as much as possible.
  • Shower/bathe twice daily if possible.
  • All household contacts should self-quarantine as well with only minimal outside interaction.

MORE EXPANSIVE TESTING IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN OUR OFFICE. Results within 24-36 hours generally.

It is being done at the end of the day, in your car, by myself…. wearing protective gear.

IF YOUR ARE ILL AND CONCERNED YOU MAY HAVE COVID INFECTION OR SIGNIFICANT COVID EXPOSURE:

Contact the office via phone or email first for instructions:

480-614-5800

douglakin@doctordoug.com

Please do not walk into our office if you think you have COVID infection. We will not see you in the office. Only in your car, and with that, you should contact the office to be seen end of day.

If you think you have COVID and are truly short of breath, you need to go to the Emergency Room, not to our office. We are not equipped to handle low oxygen levels.

COVID KIT: 

This is what you should have at home to prepare for possible COVID, to monitor yourself if you were to get infected:

DIGITAL ORAL THERMOMETER: MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Thermometer-Reading-Waterproof-Indicator/dp/B087T3S4TR/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=THERMOMETER&qid=1597159324&sr=8-6

PULSE OXIMETER:  TO CHECK OXYGEN LEVELS. MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

https://www.amazon.com/Innovo-Fingertip-Oximeter-Plethysmograph-Perfusion/dp/B07YVGZPRZ/ref=sr_1_20?dchild=1&keywords=PULSE+OXI&qid=1597159388&sr=8-20

OTHER ITEMS FROM THE HOME MEDICAL KIT:

  • TYLENOL, ADVIL, OR ALEVE
  • Sudafed 30mg tablets
  • Chlorpheniramine 4mg tablets
  • Robitussin DM syrup
  • Imodium AD

COVID COURSE:

THREE PHASES OF COVID:

  • JAILBIRD Day 1-10
  • PAROLE BIRD 11-17
  • FREE BIRD 17+

JAILBIRD:  STRICT QUARANTINE…… 10 DAYS FROM DATE OF FIRST SIGNIFICANT SYMPTOMS IF OBVIOUS OR FROM DATE OF TESTING IF UNCERTAIN BASED ON SYMPTOMS

PAROLE BIRD: DAY 11-17…. VERY CAREFUL WITH ALL ATTENTION TO MASKING, DISTANCING, HAND CLEANSING: NEXT 7 DAYS AFTER QUARANTINE

FREE BIRD: DAY 17 AND BEYOND…. NO RESTRICTIONS.

Although I do not recommend testing to prove the virus has cleared after infection, if you have testing and are clear, then the above protocol is not applied.

CARING FOR YOURSELF IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE COVID OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID:

Most Common Symptoms

They consist of the same set of symptoms as the common cold/rival respiratory syndrome, but they are worse.

Common/Hallmark symptoms:

  • High fever (over 100.4, but can range from 99’s to 104+)
  • Fatigue
  • Cough

Other symptoms can include milder issues:

  • Loss of Smell and/or Taste
  • Nausea without Vomiting
  • Sore Throat
  • Aching muscles throughout the body
  • Headache
  • Occasional diarrhea …
  • Nasal congestion (occasional)

TREATMENT:

Symptomatic treatment for the most bothersome symptoms

  • Plan to: Monitor temperature twice daily and record.  
  • Monitor oxygen levels twice daily and record. If dropping

significantly you should be in touch.

For the oxygen/Temperature:

  1. Check your temperature twice daily and keep a log. No temperature is dangerous…adults do not have to worry about this. This is just about monitoring your condition. If you have concerns, be in touch.
  2. Check oxygen level twice daily and keep a log. A declining oxygen level can indicate early de-compensation from COVID.  Normal oxygen saturation is 97-100%.   If lower than that it may be normal for you, but the trend is what matters.  If you are declining into the low 90’s, if you are feeling particularly short of breath…then it is time to check at the Emergency Room (which is safe to do!)   If you have concerns…be in touch.

Aches and Pains and Fever:

  • Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day is preferred for treating these symptoms, but if not working well, you may use:
  • Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets…1 – 2 x per day,
  • Drink good amounts of clear liquids (anything you can see through)

Sore Throat:

  • Saltwater gargling
  1. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
  2. Gargle for 15 seconds and spit.
  3. Repeat during the day every 2 – 4 hours to relieve pain.
  • Pain relief medications: Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets…1 – 2 x per day, or Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day.

Cough:

  • Steam: Either in the form of a hot, steamy shower or using a hot pot of water and covering with a towel and put your head under the towel. Both methods will provide humid air to the irritated air passages and soothe the cough.
  • Cough Syrup: Robitussin DM or Delsym cough syrup can be used to suppress cough.
  • You may require a prescription cough syrup with Codeine.  Contact me if that is the case.

Sinus Congestion and Drainage (RARE SYMPTOM):

  • Use a decongestant such as Sudafed 30mg, 1 – 2 pills up to four times per day, or use a drying antihistamine such as Chlortrimeton 4mg, up to four times per day. Other cold medications (over the counter) can be used.
  • Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra will not work for congestion symptoms from an infection. Do Not Use.

Nausea Treatment:

This is the most difficult issue to treat at home as there is very little one can do to settle the stomach. Coca-Cola with the carbonation eliminated (Flat Coke), Ginger Ale, or Ginger Root…. can be tried, but these are often inadequate, and the key to getting the stomach to settle is getting a good nausea medication.

If nausea is persistent, then calling for a prescription medication is often a good idea. Phenergan (Promethazine), Compazine (prochlorperazine), Zofran (Ondansetron) are very effective in treatment.  Sometimes we use them in combination either as a pill or a suppository.

The KEYS are:

  1. Settling the Stomach…so that liquids can be taken
  2. Focusing on Liquids…so that dehydration does not set in
  3. Eating light foods… if possible (to provide energy for healing). This is not a requirement for healing from an acute GI illness; so, do not feel that the sick person needs to eat food. The only requirement is liquid intake!

When to Seek Medical Assistance

  • There is no medication to treat this virus, so the resolution takes time.

Worsening symptoms/Signs of Complications:

  • If you are getting significantly short of breath please be in touch.  If progressive and worsening, you need to be seen and possibly hospitalized.  Best to go the ER if shortness of breath is a significant symptom

How Long to Recover

  • The COVID is a viral infection that will generally take from 3–7 days to develop, 3-7 days to improve and then from 3-7 days to completely resolve.

Filed Under: homepage-updates

ATTENTION ALL PATIENTS: REGISTER FOR DR. LAKIN’S SECURE PATIENT PORTAL ‘MyHealthRecord.com’ NOW!

February 2, 2020 by Doctordoug

Did you receive your invitation email?  If not, contact our office so we can send one to you!

 

Dr. Lakin and staff are very excited to announce we have upgraded our secure patient portal!
We changed vendors, and our new secure portal, MyHealthRecord.com, is easier to use and easier for us to respond to your medical requests.

At your convenience

  • View your health record from any Internet-enabled device
  • Exchange secure messages with Dr. Lakin and staff
  • Request and manage appointments

Anytime access

  • Lab orders
  • Test results
  • Upcoming appointments
  • Document & form postings from our practice

To be linked to our new patient portal, MyHealthRecord.com, you are required to complete a short questionnaire.  This is a very simple process…. quick and easy.  If you need assistance, we are always here to help.
Get your invitation email and register today!

 

Additional Tips for Logging in:

Clear your cache and cookies (browsing history) in whichever browser you’re using (such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc)

Once cleared, close and reopen the browser and click on the link.  You can also access the portal directly using our URL of www.myhealthrecord.com

Remember to always click the ‘Retrieve your latest health Record’ when logging in

Filed Under: homepage-updates

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