We want to update you on how the doctors and team partners of Gaston Medical Partners are handling the outbreak of COVID-19, or Coronavirus.
First of all, please remember that COVID-19 is a viral illness. Viruses are not treated with antibiotics, and at this point, there is no treatment or vaccination for this illness. It is treated symptomatically and supportively, like other viruses. Fluids and rest are extremely important. We want to limit the spread of this virus, so please take precautions to protect one another. You should wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth when coughing, and stay home if you are sick. Sharing food or drinks with others can spread the illness. This virus is similar to the flu in that the elderly, infants, and chronically ill/immunocompromised people are at risk for serious complications.
We are asking anyone with upper respiratory symptoms to stay home and treat symptoms, unless you are having complications.
Most upper respiratory viruses include such symptoms as congestion, drainage, sore throat and cough. The cough can last three weeks or longer. If you have these symptoms, we encourage you to stay home and rest. Acetaminophen is the most appropriate medicine for fevers, unless you have allergy issues or contraindications to taking acetaminophen.
If you have fever or cough along with any shortness of breath, you need to proceed to the hospital for COVID-19 testing and treatment.
Any shortness of breath, wheezing, vomiting, or any other concerning symptoms should prompt you to be seen and evaluated.
If you have had COVID-19 exposure along with cough or fever, you will need to go for COVID-19 testing through a hospital, before being treated at our practice.
We will try and keep our website updated with testing information and any updates.
Not everyone needs to be tested, and the tests are limited in number. Most people won’t have complications from this virus, so if you are not short of breath, and are staying hydrated and doing well, please stay home for 14 days and allow your body to completely recover.
The reason for the 14 days is to protect others from getting this illness. The virus is still being shed even if you feel better, so stay home until the 14 days are up. Protect others in the house by staying in one room as much as possible, cleaning the areas that you are using, washing sheets/towels/etc., and just using common sense.
We plan to have a team partner screening patients in our office parking lot over the next few weeks. This screening process will help to protect other patients and staff. If we identify the risk of COVID-19, we will have you go for testing and treatment at a hospital, if needed. We apologize for any delay or inconvenience this may cause, but again, we want to put every precaution in place to ensure the safety of others.
During this outbreak, we need to care and look out for each other. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We can be reached through the
Patient Portal
or by calling our office at 704-800-4268.
We will continue with our normal office hours and will keep you updated of any changes. Thank you for putting your trust in our practice. It is our privilege to serve you.
