Health Tips for Pregnant Women During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in some way, some more intensely than others. You likely still have a lot of questions regarding COVID-19, since more and more information is provided each week. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks want to do the best we can in sharing that information with you. Keep reading this week's blog for a few health tips for pregnant women during COVID-19 from the CDC. If you think are showing symptoms of COVID-19, please call your doctor at the Lake of the Ozarks immediately. Remember, if you have an appointment with Central Ozarks Medical Center and have a fever, cough, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please call ahead and we will prepare properly. All phone numbers for all COMC locations can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

FOLLOWING INFORMATION FROM THE CDC

Risks to the pregnancy and to the baby

Much is still unknown about the risks of COVID-19 to the pregnancy and to the baby.

• Mother-to-child transmission of COVID-19 during pregnancy is unlikely, but after birth a newborn can be infected after exposure to an infected person, including the baby’s mother or other caregivers.
• Based on limited published reports, a very small number of babies have tested positive for the virus shortly after birth. However, it is unknown if these babies got the virus before, during, or after birth.
• There have been a small number of reported problems, such as preterm birth, in babies born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 late in their pregnancy. However, we do not know if these problems were related to the virus.

Prenatal care during the COVID-19 outbreak

It is important to take care of yourself and your baby during pregnancy, and this includes prenatal care.

• Ask if your doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital has steps in place to separate healthy patients from those who might be sick.
• Some doctor’s offices might choose to cancel or postpone some visits. Others may switch certain appointments to telemedicine visits, which are appointments through the phone or over the internet. These decisions will be based on the circumstances in your community, as well as your individual care plan.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have an urgent medical question.
• In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency department. If possible, call the emergency department to explain you are pregnant and have an emergency. They should have an infection prevention plan to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need emergency care. Do not delay getting emergency care because of COVID-19.

We Will Continue To Get Through This Together!

We hope this blog found you healthy and safe. If you are pregnant and have questions about what you should be doing during COVID-10, please give us a call. Also, please don't forget that all COMC locations are open! If you have a scheduled appointment, please call ahead if you have a fever, cough, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. All phone numbers can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.

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Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

FAQs About COVID-19

COVID-19 has been a unique but NEW time in history, which means many people have a ton of questions about this virus. That being said, our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to share a few very important frequently asked questions about COVID-19 (from the CDC) and the helpful answers they provide, in this week's blog. Don't forget, if you have an appointment with one of our Mid-MO health clinics, please call ahead if you have a fever, cough, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. We will be properly prepared for you. For a complete list of our locations and phone numbers, please visit the Central Ozarks Medical Center website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

FAQs About COVID-19 

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

According to the CDC:

Q: What is a novel coronavirus?

A: A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

Q: What is the source of the virus?

A: COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats.  Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people. This occurred with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, and now with the virus that causes COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. All three of these viruses have their origins in bats. The sequences from U.S. patients are similar to the one that China initially posted, suggesting a likely single, recent emergence of this virus from an animal reservoir. However, the exact source of this virus is unknown.

Q: How does the virus spread?

A: The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

All of us here at Central Ozarks Medical Center hope that this blog found you safe and healthy! We encourage you to stay as up to date as possible on all of the information the CDC provides on COVID-19. Here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, we share a great deal of important information they provide and we encourage you to do the same. Follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements. Stay safe everyone and remember we can get through this together!

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

Like us on Facebook

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For Appointments Call

573.765.5141

Richland

573.302.7490

Osage Beach

573.346.4446

Camdenton

573.765.2510

Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

Caring For Someone With COVID-19

All of us here at our Mid-Missouri health clinics want you to know we will get through this COVID-19 pandemic together! We understand that there are some people who have tested positive for COVID-19 but are not showing symptoms yet and that there are some people who are trying to recover from home. With that being said, our healthcare professionals at the Lake of the Ozarks would like to share some pertinent information from the CDC in regard to caring for someone with COVID-19 from home in this week's blog. If you can make it into one of our health clinics in Mid-MO and are showing symptoms such as shortness of breath, a fever, or dry cough, please give us a call beforehand and we will be properly prepared for you.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/care-for-someone.html

Protect yourself when caring for someone who is sick

Limit contact
COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets, created when someone talks, coughs or sneezes

The caregiver, when possible, should not be someone who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

• Use a separate bedroom and bathroom: If possible, have the person who is sick stay in their own “sick room” or area and away from others. If possible, have the person who is sick use a separate bathroom.
• Shared space: If you have to share space, make sure the room has good air flow.
• Open the window and turn on a fan (if possible) to increase air circulation.
• Improving ventilation helps remove respiratory droplets from the air.
• Avoid having visitors: Avoid having any unnecessary visitors, especially visits by people who are at higher risk for severe illness.

Eat in separate rooms or areas

• Stay separated: The person who is sick should eat (or be fed) in their room, if possible.
• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: Handle any dishes, cups/glasses, or silverware used by the person who is sick with gloves. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.
• Clean hands after taking off gloves or handling used items.

Avoid sharing personal items

• Do not share: Do not share dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding, or electronics with the person who is sick.

When to wear a cloth face cover or gloves

Sick person:

• The person who is sick should wear a cloth face covering when they are around other people at home and out (including before they enter a doctor’s office).
• The cloth face covering helps prevent a person who is sick from spreading the virus to others. It keeps respiratory droplets contained and from reaching other people.
• Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is not able to remove the covering without help.

 Caregiver:

• Wear gloves when you touch or have contact with blood, stool, or body fluids, such as saliva, mucus, vomit, and urine. Throw out gloves into a lined trash can.
• A caregiver may wear a cloth face covering when caring for a person who is sick, however the protective effects (how well the cloth face covering protects healthy people from breathing in the virus) are unknown.

All of us here at Central Ozarks Medical Center hope that this blog finds you safe and healthy! We encourage you to stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 information. The CDC is a great resource for that and we try to share the information they put out with you as much as possible in our social media. To stay up to date on our latest announcements, please follow us on our social media channels listed below.

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Connect with us on LinkedIn

For Appointments Call

573.765.5141

Richland

573.302.7490

Osage Beach

573.346.4446

Camdenton

573.765.2510

Dental

Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

The Truth About Cloth Face Masks

We are all in the middle of this COVID-19 crisis together. It's important to fully understand what you can do to slow the spread of COVID-19. We get more and more information each day, so it's important to stay updated. With that in mind, our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to share some vital information regarding cloth face masks from the CDC with you in this week's blog. You'll see that the CDC refers to cloth face masks as "cloth face coverings". Our Lake of the Ozarks health clinics believe we can get through this together! To make an appointment with Central Ozarks Medical Center, please give us a call. Our phone numbers can be found on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. Also, if you are experiencing shortness of breath, a fever, or a dry cough, please let us know before you get here and we will prepare properly.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

[INFO. FROM THE CDC]

Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering

Cloth face coverings should—

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?
Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.

How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?
A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.

How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?
Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.

We Can Get Through This Together!

All of us here at Central Ozarks Medical Center hope that this blog found you safe and healthy! Stay updated as much as possible on all information regarding COVID-19. To stay up to date on our latest announcements, please follow us on our social media channels listed below. You can also check out our website at www.CentralOzarks.org for more information.


Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

For Appointments Call

573.765.5141
Richland

573.302.7490
Osage Beach

573.346.4446
Camdenton

573.765.2510
Dental


Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

Keeping Your Children Healthy During The COVID-19 Crisis

All of us here at our Lake of the Ozarks health clinics hope that this blog finds you well and healthy! We know that this is an intense time for everyone but we can all get through it together. All of our health clinics in Central Missouri are open. You can find all of the locations on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. Keep reading this week's blog for some important information from the CDC regarding keeping your children healthy during the COVID-19 crisis.

INFORMATION FROM THE CDC

Children may have mild symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally shown mild symptoms. Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported.

It’s not known yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness, for example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare needs. There is more to learn about how the disease impacts children. You can learn more about who is most at risk for health problems if they have COVID-19 infection on Are You at Higher Risk for Severe Illness.

Help stop the spread of COVID-19

Take steps to protect children and others from getting sick
Help stop the spread of COVID-19 by doing the same things everyone should do to stay healthy. Teach your children to do the same.

• Clean hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid people who are sick (coughing and sneezing).
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (like tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, and sinks).
• Launder items including washable plush toys as needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

All of us here at Central Ozarks Medical Center hope that you are safe! Be sure to follow the CDC guidelines and stay up to date on the latest information. You can also follow our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements. Again, all COMC locations are open and you can find the phone number and clinic addresses on our website at www.CentralOzarks.org. Remember, if you are experiencing shortness of breath, a fever, or coughing and are on your way into one of our COMC locations, please call ahead so we can be ready for you!


Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

For Appointments Call

573.765.5141
Richland

573.302.7490
Osage Beach

573.346.4446
Camdenton

573.765.2510
Dental


Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

Coping with COVID-19

All of us know by now that this is an intense, but a unique time in history. We can all get through this together, but it takes everyone. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to share some vital information with you from the CDC on coping with COVID-19. This COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live our everyday lives. Keep reading for what the CDC recommends to do during this time. Please remember if you are on your way into Central Ozarks Medical Center and are showing signs of COVID-10, shortness of breath, coughing, or a fever, please call ahead and we will be prepared for you.

INFORMATION FROM THE CDC

Daily Life and Coping

Learn how you can plan, prepare, and cope with stress before and during a COVID-19 outbreak.

• Plan and make decisions in advance of an illness.
• Know how to protect and support the children in your care.
• Find ways to cope with stress that will make you, your loved ones, and your community stronger.

Stay informed and in touch

• Get up-to-date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials
• Ask your neighbors what their plan includes.
• Create a list of local organizations you and your household can contact in case you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources.
• Create an emergency contact list including family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.

Prepare for possible illness

• Consider members of the household that may be at greater risk such as older adults and people with severe chronic illnesses.
• Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others.

Take everyday preventive steps

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Be prepared if your child’s school or childcare facility is temporarily dismissed or for potential changes at your workplace.

Watch for symptoms
Stay home and speak to your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms:

• Fever or
• Cough or
• Shortness of breath

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately
Emergency warning signs include*:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

• Keep away from others who are sick
• Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet)

All of us here at our Central MO health clinics hope that this information finds you well and healthy. We can all get through this together. Remember, we are open! If you are on your way in, give us a call on the way if you are experiencing shortness of breath, coughing, or a fever. We will be prepared for your arrival. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.


Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

For Appointments Call

573.765.5141
Richland

573.302.7490
Osage Beach

573.346.4446
Camdenton

573.765.2510
Dental


Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

Who's at Higher Risk For COVID-19?

There are more and more updates each and every week in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks feel that it's very important to stay updated as much as you can. With that in mind, we are here to share some information with you about who is at higher risk for COVID-19, in this week's blog. We feel the best way to update you on this important topic is to share the public information that the CDC is putting out there for your benefit. Please remember, if you are coming into one of our Mid-MO health clinics and are showing major symptoms of COVID-19, such as trouble breathing, coughing, or a fever, please give us a call so we can prepare for you. All of our phone numbers can be found on the Central Ozarks Medical Center website, www.CentralOzarks.org.

INFORMATION FROM THE CDC

People who are at higher risk for severe illness

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

People aged 65 years and older
People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
Other high-risk conditions could include:

• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• People who have serious heart conditions
• People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
• People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk

People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with a severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk.

Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.

Call COMC If You Are Showing Symptoms of COVID-19

We know this is an intense time in history right now but we can get through this together. Follow the safety precautions that the CDC is requesting. Practice social distancing and wash your hands often. Let's slow this spread and get back to our known normal. Please remember if you are on your way in to see us and are showing symptoms of COVID-19, give us a call and we will be prepared for you. Stay safe everyone!


Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

For Appointments Call

573.765.5141
Richland

573.302.7490
Osage Beach

573.346.4446
Camdenton

573.765.2510
Dental


Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties