(Atlantic) Cass County Health System officially initiated Incident Command and launched a COVID-19 taskforce this week. CCHS is working with local and regional groups, and the taskforce is continually monitoring the situation. The team is working diligently to prepare for the spread of the virus and will continue to communicate frequently to the public.
COVID-19: Essential Information from CCHS
Cass County Health System officials are working diligently to prepare for the spread of COVID-19. At this phase, efforts are focused on prevention and mitigating the spread of the virus.
As of March 12, 2020, there are no cases in Iowa that have been contracted through community spread. All of the 14 positive cases are linked to travel; meaning the infected patients have all recently traveled outside of Iowa, then returned home and became symptomatic.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath that develop 2-14 days after exposure.
It is believed the virus spreads when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes and the droplets directly or indirectly infect another person at entry points such as eyes, nose, or mouth. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other seasonal illnesses like the flu or a cold, so just having symptoms does not mean you have the disease.
COVID-19 Testing
At this time, the only people who can be tested for COVID-19 are:
- symptomatic people (i.e. have a fever, cough or shortness of breath) and close contact with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 within 14 days of symptom onset OR
- symptomatic people requiring hospitalization and a history of travel from affected geographic areas within 14 days of symptom onset OR
- symptomatic people with severe acute lower respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia, ARDS) requiring hospitalization and without alternative explanatory diagnosis (e.g., influenza) and no source of exposure identified.
The need for COVID-19 testing will determined by the Iowa Department of Public Health in collaboration with your healthcare provider.
The testing itself is comprised of two swabs: one nasal swab, one throat swab. The test samples are then sent to the State Hygienic Lab; results should be returned within 24 hours.
Care at Home & Care at Hospital
After testing, if an individual is ill, but in stable condition, they will be sent home. Similar to home treatment for a cold or flu, the ill patient should self-isolate and treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications. Individuals with COVID-19 should stay home until they are symptom-free for 72 hours.
If the ill individual needs a higher level of care, the care team at CCHS will determine the appropriate next steps.
Appointments
We encourage all patients to keep their scheduled appointments and to seek medical care when needed. If you develop respiratory infection symptoms, like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, then please call your provider’s office BEFORE you come to any CCHS facility.
Additional Resources
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, CCHS encourages the public to rely on official sources of information including the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the World Health Organization. Links to these resources can be found on http://www.casshealth.org/covid-19.
Hotline for Questions
The public can call 211 for more information. A local hotline is being established and more information will be released soon.
Visitor Policy & Recommendations
The public is advised to not come to Cass County Health System unless:
- They are here for an appointment, AMC Rapid Care, or care in the Emergency Department.
- They are an essential support person for an inpatient, and are over the age of 18 and in good health.
What You Can Do
- It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and IDPH recommends getting the flu vaccine. Influenza activity is widespread in Iowa and as long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to receive the vaccine.
- Prepare your business and home in case of illness or closures. The Iowa Department of Public Health website includes planning resources for business and individuals.
- On social media and in person, help spread information from reputable sources only.
Prevention
- CDC does not recommend face masks for the general public.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth with your upper arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Immediately discard tissue into the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Information from Iowa Department of Public Health
How to Cope with Anxiety about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Facts not fear
It’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones against all viruses, including COVID-19 by frequently washing your hands for 20 seconds, staying home when you are sick, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.
Stay Calm
It’s important to not pass along or spread misinformation. Recognize when other people’s fears and anxieties are influencing your own emotional or mental health. When we integrate other’s fears and anxieties into our own emotional or mental state, we act and make decisions out of fear, rather than facts.
Keep up-to-date
For topics that cause significant anxiety, people find themselves better able to cope if they feel knowledgeable about the topic. Use trusted resources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Unplug
Information, real or fake, is a constant in today’s society. It is important to have the facts and stay up-to-date, but when information creates a barrier to daily functioning, it can increase fear and anxiety. Be aware of how plugged in you are and to what you are exposing yourself.
Prioritize good sleep, exercise and healthy eating choices
Stress affects your immune system response. Make a list of priorities and include commitments to 8 hours of sleep, adequate exercise and healthy eating choices.
Focus on Preparedness
Be informed; be educated. One way to address anxiety is to focus on the circumstances you can control. Taking efforts to control what you can, like washing your hands and other prevention strategies, will help to lessen the stress caused by the fear of the unknown. Both the CDC and IDPH websites have resources on prevention and preparedness.
When do you need help?
When symptoms associated with your anxiety have affected your ability to function in some part of your life, it is time to reach out. Does worry cause you to lose sleep or does the fear of becoming sick cause you to isolate? Reach out to your healthcare provider and discuss your concerns. If you or a loved one are facing problems with alcohol, drugs, gambling mental health or suicidal thoughts, contact Your Life Iowa by live chat, text (855-895-8398) or phone (855-581-8111).
