Mitchell County | Health Scene | Summer 2020
2 HEALTH SCENE T he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone wear cloth face masks in public places where it would be hard to stay 6 feet from other people, especially in areas where the spread of COVID-19 is significant. To be clear, these are not surgical face masks or N95 respirators.Those kinds of face coverings need to be reserved for health care workers. But you can wear a homemade cloth face mask, scarf or bandanna when you’re on essential errands in public. It might help prevent you from spreading the virus to other people. Studies have shown that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 could spread the virus even if they have no symptoms themselves. If you wear a face mask routinely, there may be less chance you’ll spread the disease if you have it. Cloth face masks are not a substitute for social distancing. You still need to stay home as much as possible and stay at least 6 feet away from other people in public. Also keep in mind, cloth face masks should not be placed on: ● ● Children under age 2 ● ● Anyone who has trouble breathing ● ● Anyone who is unable to remove the mask without help Don’t sew? No problem! See how to make a no-sew mask using just a piece of cloth and two rubber bands. Go to morehealth.org/facemask. What to look for in a cloth face mask You can make your own cloth face masks at home. They should be made out of a material you can clean in a washing machine. That includes things like cotton sheets, a bandanna or an old T-shirt. Cloth face coverings should also: ■ ■ Fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face ■ ■ Be secured with ties or ear loops ■ ■ Include more than one layer of fabric ■ ■ Allow for easy breathing ■ ■ Be able to be washed and dried without changing shape You should wash your cloth face mask often. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth when taking off your mask. And after you take it off, wash your hands right away. What to know about cloth FACE MASKS What you can expect from a Virtual Visit A Virtual Visit is much like an office visit. You’ll have an appointed time to check in, by way of a mobile device. When the provider is ready to see you, you’ll be connected through a video link. The provider will have your chart in front of them. Your provider might have you take your temperature. They might also talk you through taking your pulse. Your provider will ask you about your symptoms. You can help your visit go more smoothly by following these steps: ■ ■ Use a good webcam. Your computer probably came with one. ■ ■ Set the camera at eye level. ■ ■ Make sure the volume is on. ■ ■ Try out your microphone before the visit. ■ ■ Use a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi, if possible. ■ ■ Close other computer programs you won’t need during the visit. ■ ■ Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. ■ ■ Have your provider’s phone number in case your connection goes down. ● ● Cold ● ● Cold/canker sores ● ● Cough or bronchitis ● ● Earache ● ● Eczema/dry skin ● ● Flu-like symptoms ● ● Impetigo ● ● Itchy eyes and sties ● ● Mono ● ● Nasal congestion ● ● Pinkeye ● ● Poison ivy/oak ● ● Rashes ● ● Scabies ● ● Shingles ● ● Sinus symptoms ● ● Skin infections ● ● Sore/strep throat ● ● Laryngitis ● ● UTIs Get started: For more information, go t o virtualvisits.care o r call 641-732-6100 . —Continued from page 1 House calls?
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