The latest news from BreatheAmerica to keep you healthy during COVID-19 Recovery

An update from BreatheAmerica to our valued patients and community during the

Covid-19 Recovery

Safe Places.Trusted Care

BreatheAmerica has a long-standing commitment to the health care needs of our communities.

Your safety is our highest priority. During this global COVID-19 pandemic, our commitment to provide you a safe, reliable place to receive care is even more important to us.

Our Clinics and Services are OPEN

During the height of the pandemic in Albuquerque we recently scaled back in-person appointments. Thanks to the efforts of residents to stay home, effectively controlling the spread of the virus, we are now

offering broader services to meet the needs of our communities, starting with patients whose care needs are most urgent care including drive through services for allergy shots .

MYTH BUSTERS: FACTS and SAFE PRACTICES

for our VALUED PATIENTS

Your safety and well being is our #1 priority. Guided by our internationally respected infection prevention experts and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO)we have put together helpful information and advice to help you understand COVID 19 and stay healthy and aware.

FACT #1: Most people who get COVID- 19 can recover from it.

Most people who get COVID- 19 have mild or moderate symptoms and can recover thanks to supportive care. If you have a cough, fever and difficulty breathing seek medical care and call our health care facility.

FACT #2: Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID- 19 and can be dangerous

The harmful use of alcohol increases your risk of health problems.

FACT #3:There are currently no drugs licensed for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.

While several drug trials are ongoing, there is currently no proof that hydroxychloroquine or any other drug can cure or prevent COVID - 19. The misuse of hydroxychloroquine can cause serious side effects and illness and even lead to death.

FACT #4: Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort does not mean that you are free from the coronavirus disease or any lung disease.

The most common symptoms of COVID -19 are dry cough, tiredness and fever. Some people may develop more severe forms of the disease, such as pneumonia. The best way to confirm if you have the virus producing COVID-19 is a lab test. You can NOT confirm with this breathing test which can even be dangerous.

FACT #5:Spraying and introducing bleach or another disinfectant into your body will NOT protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous

Do not under any circumstance spray or induce bleach or any other disinfectant into your body. These substances can be poisonous if ingested and cause irritation and damage to your skin and eyes and internal organ damage.

FACT #6:Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the coronavirus?

No. Vaccines against pneumonia DO NOT provide protection against COVID-19.

The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine. Although these vaccines are not effective against COVID -19, vaccination against respiratory illnesses are highly recommended to protect your health.

FACT #7: Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating COVID -19?

No.Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. COVID -19 is a virus and therefore antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However,if you are hospitalized for COVID- 19 you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

FACT #8:Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat COVID -19?

To date there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat COVID -19. However, those infected should receive appropriate care to relieve and

treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care. Some specific treatments are under investigation and will be tested through clinical trials.

FACT #9: Thermal scanners CANNOT detect Covid-19.

Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have a fever ( e.g.higher than normal body temperature). They cannot detect people who are infected with COVID-19. There are many causes of fever. Call your healthcare provider if you need assistance.

FACT #10: Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with COVID -19?

No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with COVID- 19. There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, rinsing the nose regularly has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.

FACT #11: Does COVID -19 affect older people or are younger people also susceptible?

People of all ages can be infected by COVID -19 and people with pre- existing medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. Follow good hand hygiene and respiratory care hygiene.

FACT #12: Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C (77 F) does NOT Prevent COVID- 19.

You can catch COVID-19 no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.

If you are not feeling well or have questions contact your health care provider. We are open

and here to serve you.

www.breatheamerica.com

Every Patient Safety Decision Guided by Experts

You can be confident that you will receive safe, high-quality, compassionate care from the extraordinary health care team at BreatheAmerica ABQ.

Our safety precautions are guided by experts in the field of infectious diseases, infection prevention, public health and quality improvement.

These experts monitor the latest recommendations from state and national organizations, including U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO), and adapt our processes to meet best practices that limit exposure and prevent the spread of disease. Every member of our teams is committed to keeping our patients, staff and community safe.