The outbreak of coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has infected thousands of people in China and has spread worldwide, with new cases of infection and deaths by this virus reported daily. As of now, a number of cases has been reported in the Unites States, with several coronavirus cases reported in California, including Los Angeles and Orange County. There are no reported cases in Downtown Los Angeles as of now.
Coronavirus in Los Angeles & Orange County
Los Angeles and Orange County health officials are stressing that there is no evidence the virus has been spread beyond the two patients.They are following up with anyone who has had close contact with the patients, but also noted that people with casual contact — such as visiting the same grocery store or movie theater — are at minimal risk of developing infection.
This new strain of coronavirus can be transmitted between humans through:
- coughing and sneezing;
- touching; and
- touching contaminated surfaces.
Coronavirus Symptoms & What to Do
The symptoms of the virus infection mimic the common cold such as:
- fever,
- coughing and sneezing,
- a runny nose,
- shortness of breath,
- headaches, and
- sore throat.
Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immunity are at increased risk, where they can progress to developing pneumonia or bronchitis and kidney failure. There is currently no vaccine available for this new virus. Fortunately, most patients recover following supportive care for a few days.
To protect yourself and others from the coronavirus, take similar measures that protect you during a regular cold and flu season:
- Wash your hands often with soap and especially before eating food and touching your face;
- Avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes unless you have clean hands;
- Avoid close contact with people (including hand-shaking) with flu-like symptoms such as an elevated temperature, fever, a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing;
- Avoid crowded public places;
- Monitor and follow the travel advice guidelines before traveling to places and countries known to have the coronavirus outbreak;
- If necessary and possible, wear a surgical mask;
- When wearing a surgical mask, ensure that you know how to wear it properly as well as change it regularly; and
- Wash and cook food thoroughly.
If you feel sick, please contact your primary care physician or an urgent care provider. When seeking medical help, please call ahead to let the health professional know, so they can take measures to protect other patients. Also take any of the following precautions:
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze;
- Disinfect the items you touch by wiping down with detergent or alcohol wipes then dispose it thoughtfully into a bin;
- Wear a surgical mask and make sure to change this regularly;
- Do not travel especially by public transport, e.g. planes, trains, buses;
- Avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of passing on the virus to other people.
Coronavirus and Your DTLA Dental Appointment
We care for your well-being and well-being of our patients and employees. We recommend that you delay any non-urgent dental treatment if you have:
- Fever or a history of fever and acute respiratory infection (shortness of breath or cough or sore throat), or severe acute respiratory infection without fever requiring hospitalization;
- A history of being in Wuhan, China in the 14 days prior to symptom onset;
- Had close contact within 14 days of symptom onset with a confirmed or suspected case of 2019-nCoV;
- visited to a healthcare facility in China.
If you do not have acute symptoms, have not visited the Wuhan province at any stage, or have not been in direct contact with anyone you know that have recently visited China, then you should attend your dental appointment as usual.
For more information or to schedule/reschedule your dental appointment, please call us at 213-486-0006 or make your appointment online.