Oncology Specialists of Charlotte is monitoring the Coronavirus outbreak closely. We are staying informed about the latest recommendations and updates. We have increased the frequency of cleaning and sanitation around our office. Also, we are increasing hand sanitizer stations to include each exam room, treatment area, the waiting lobby and the front desk.
The novel coronavirus was initially discovered in China, but it has rapidly spread to many other countries including the United States. The virus is now called SARS-CoV-2, and the disease that it causes is called COVID-19.
The virus is spread from person to person through close contact or respiratory droplets (mucus or spit) when a person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be picked up by touching a surface that has been coughed on or touched by someone who is sick. Once infected, there is a higher probability of hospitalization (10-15%) compared with the flu and higher risk of death (1-2% vs 0.1%). Patients older than 60 who have a suppressed immune system or other medical problems are at higher risk.
Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and body aches. Symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you develop any of these symptoms, please do not come to our office. Either call our office or call the North Carolina Coronavirus Hotline at 1-866-462-3821.
Please note:
- We are unable to do COVID-19 testing in our clinic.
- Please do not come to our office if you have been exposed to a sick friend or family member
General recommendations:
- Avoid sick contacts.
- Hand washing is the best way to prevent infection. Use hand sanitizer when soap & water are not available.
- Avoid crowds and public places (airports, restaurants, grocery store, church)
- Maintain personal space, avoid crowded rooms and elevators
- We don’t recommend wearing a mask unless you are sick
- Cancel non-essential air travel and avoid the areas with COVID-19 cluster https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.htm