Media attention on the eleven confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. is increasing right now around the country. We want to assure you that we are very closely monitoring the situation, and we are confident that Houston Methodist and our employees are prepared to treat patients who are presenting with flu-like symptoms. There are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Texas, but we are prepared in the event we do see patients who are considered at high risk for this novel coronavirus.
The coronavirus causes symptoms that are very similar to influenza. If patients with lower respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, body aches) present in our ERs, they will be given masks immediately and isolated before being evaluated. If we see patients whose travel history and symptoms make them at higher risk for the coronavirus, we will contact the public health department and the CDC. If you have any questions or concerns related to the illness, please contact System Infection Prevention and Control at 281.414.4879.
This link goes to an FAQ to distribute to patients in the ER if they are suspected of having the coronavirus.
As this outbreak unfolds, we need to be mindful of protecting our patients and ourselves from possible exposure to this virus. Please remember to protect yourself and our patients by practicing good infection control practices and proper hand hygiene. For example, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze; use your elbow if you don’t have a tissue; wear a surgical mask if needed; and wash hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer. These are the same precautions we should always take – but they are especially important during flu season.
We have also developed a triage of patients suspected of having the novel coronavirus (2019-nCOV). Please download the PDF and make yourself familiar with it.
If you are feeling ill with these symptoms, please stay home, seek medical attention and contact your manager for further instruction.
Please refer to this CDC FAQ for more information on the coronavirus. As health care workers, we are well-equipped to deal with these infectious disease situations. Let’s work together to keep our patients – and ourselves safe. We are grateful to have employees like you during challenging times like this. We will keep you posted on new developments.
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