The Corona Virus

 

Update: 02-04-2020 10.00h

 

Thanks for checking in on this latest update, please read on carefully before you consider contacting the practice.

 

 

The new criteria for TESTING for the Corona Virus (CoVid-19) are as below:

 

FEVER AND RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including a cough) 

&

AN ‘AT-RISK’ PERSON (see below)

 

 

 

 

 

What does this mean?

 

If you have any of these symptoms & are in the ‘at-risk’ category, please telephone the front desk and we will be in touch with you to discuss your eligibility for testing.

If you do not have a MEASURED FEVER AND RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS or are not in the ‘at-risk’ category then we are unable to refer you for testing.

This is under advice from the HSE/Department of Health/Chief Medical Officer.

We understand people’s concerns but an inappropriate referral we make could delay a sicker patient from getting the essential diagnosis & medical care that they need.

 

I do not meet the above criteria.

 

If you do not meet the testing criteria but you still feel you need to speak to a doctor, our receptionists will set up an appointment via video link or over the phone depending on your circumstances to discuss further with a doctor.

 

I have been referred for a Covid-19 test. When will I hear about it?

This is being handled by the Public Health Departments. They will arrange your test for you and be in touch with your result.

We are not being updated here in relation to your test or test result. If you were referred for a test before the 24th of March and have not yet heard about your appointment, then it is unlikely that you will be called for testing.

You are advised to self-isolate from 14 from the start of your symptoms.

You can read more about self-isolation here.

Please contact us if you need a social welfare cert or a work certain s as result of this.

 

I felt unwell a few days ago and was referred for a test. Now I feel ok. Should I still get tested? Should I still self-isolate?

Yes, and please also continue to self isolate.

 

What if I have been in close contact with a Corona Virus sufferer or if I am waiting for the test result?

 

See below from the HSE,  and please read it carefully:

Click here to read more about self-isolation.

Click here to read about Corona Virus in pregnancy.

Can you test me for the Corona Virus even if I fall outside of these criteria or can you test me in Portmarnock GP Clinic?

WE DO NOT HAVE THE MEANS OR ABILITY TO TEST FOR COVID-19 AND IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE CRITERIA THEN YOU WILL NOT BE TESTED.

Again, this is explicit advice from the DoH & HSE, we are not deciding on the rules for testing.

We do not have the swabs, nor do we have the means to transport them to the laboratory where they are being processed.

 

What are the symptoms of the Corona Virus?

  • Fever (88% of cases)
  • Dry cough (68% of cases)
  • Fatigue (38& of cases)
  • Phlegm (33%)
  • Shortness of breath (19%)
  • Muscle aches or joint pains (15% of cases)
  • Sore throat (14% of cases)
  • Headaches (14% of cases)
  • Chills (11% of cases)
  • Nausea & vomiting (5% of cases)
  • Nasal congestion (4% of cases)
  • Diarrhoea (3% of cases)

What can I do to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus?

  • Wash your hands properly and regularly
  • Sneeze or cough into your elbow always
  • If you are unwell do not wait, act by checking out the HSE advice pages or if you meet the criteria then call your GP
  • Stay off public transport, out of bars, hotels & restaurants and away from your GP surgery, hospitals & OOH services if you are unwell or suspect that you may be unwell with the Corona Virus
  • Listen to the specialists and official briefings, be careful with what you read on social media

How long will restrictions last for?

Currently it looks like the Corona Virus will be a significant health issue until May or June. It is highly unpredictable though and we hope that things will settle down sooner than this.

Where else can I get more information?

The HSE have excellent up to date information and it is worth checking out their website if you have queries. The CDC, an American website is also a useful resource, as is the NHS.

 

Thank you all.

Dr Laura O’Flynn

Dr Martin O’Flynn

Dr Niall Breen