COVID-19 Q&A Recap with Callaway District Hospital

CALLAWAY–Amid growing concerns of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak across the globe, KCNI/KBBN had the opportunity of speaking with local health officials following the Get Up and Go Breakfast Show on March 24.

An on-air broadcast and Facebook Live video were conducted with Callaway District Hospital Chief Executive Officer Brett Eggleston, Dr. Chelsea Williams, and Infection Control Coordinator and Registered Nurse Cindy Tullis.

Click here to view the Facebook Live video

We appreciate hearing your questions and invite the public to submit more questions for next week’s COVID-19 Q&A scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 at 9 a.m.

The topics discussed this morning include symptoms of coronavirus, disinfectants, mental health, social distancing, and many more.

“Social distancing isn’t necessarily for you, you’re socially distancing for someone else. So if you’re a younger, healthier person your chances of getting coronavirus and recovering from coronavirus are fairly high. But if you would come in contact with someone who is compromised in some way, has a chronic medical condition, you could very easily pass that to that individual and not even know it,” Callaway District Hospital CEO Brett Eggleston said.

Below are some of the highlights discussed. This is a summary outline and are not direct quotes:

  • Visitor restrictions are in place at hospitals and clinics, nurses at front doors to conduct patient screening (asking questions, taking temperatures). Call fist before going to clinic or hospital.
    • Callaway District Hospital: 308-836-2228
    • Callaway Clinic: 308-836-2294
  • Use disinfectants frequently, use good hygiene practices, wash hands, don’t touch your face, practice social distancing
  • You can use 5 tablespoons or 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons of bleach with 1 quart of water (follow manufacture recommendations) to clean your home
  • The COVID-19 virus is so new and data is limited; difficult to determine if someone is immune after getting the virus
  • Symptoms: Fever in more than 80% of cases, dry cough is present in 67% of cases, sore throat, fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, general aches, some potential nausea or diarrhea, loss in taste and smell–virus is so new and is mutating possibly twice every month
  • Self-quarantine if you are in any doubt
  • Are pregnant women at more risk? Not really an increased risk. Generally, women in their third trimester more susceptible to respiratory infections.
  • Can babies contract through breast milk? Studies don’t show this as this time. Risk is more respiratory droplets being passed from mom to baby.
  • Mental Health: Utilize technology to stay connected to family and friends, ask for help.
    • Howard County Medical Center Mental Health line: 308-223-0638
    • Suicide Prevention line: 800-273-8255
    • Region III Behavioral Health Services: 800-321-4981
  • COVID-19 is different than influenza with a mortality rate of around 2% compared to influenza with a mortality rate of .1 to .2%
  • Coronavirus is more contagious and multiplies quicker than the flu
  • Rural communities are at an advantage but social distancing is still very important
  • It will be delayed but it will be here eventually, regardless of travel
  • Vaccinations would be huge to help stop the spread of the virus, but a vaccine could still be more than a year away
  • Allergy season is here but a fever is a big way to differentiate between coronavirus and allergies
  • 14-day time frame of having symptoms and passing on to others
  • Virus can potentially stay on clothing for 12 hours
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