How to protect your family from coronavirus (COVID-19)

Information about coronavirus continues to evolve rapidly, and at Karrinyup Wellness Centre as primary health care practitioners, we are keeping up to date with the latest revelations and are taking extra precautions in the practice in line with the Australian Department of Health guidelines for coronavirus, so be rest assured that our centre continues to be meticulously cleaned and sanitised including disinfecting chiropractic tables after each client and regularly disinfecting door handles, light switches, Eftpos terminals, front counter and other frequently touched surfaces. 

The best type of approach to avoid any illness is prevention and the team at Karrinyup Wellness Centre are here to support you in any way possible.

Our Naturopaths are available to assist you with any health concerns and preventative measures with the lead up to the typical cold and flu season.

The  Australian Health Department has recommended preventative measures including:

• washing your hands often with soap and water
• using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• avoiding close contact with others, such as touching
• staying home if sick

In line with the Australian Health Department recommendations and in an effort to protect our staff and valued clients, we respectfully ask all existing clients who are returning from overseas travel to notify our team to reschedule your appointment and to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days. If you develop a fever or cough, seek medical advice urgently and isolate yourself.

If you are unable to attend Karrinyup Wellness Centre due to the above restrictions and you require some assistance, please contact the centre by phone or email and one of our friendly health professionals will be happy to call you to help you with any questions or concerns you have in relation to your care.

If you would like to further educate yourself on the coronavirus and the symptoms, who is at risk, how it spreads, prevention measures and how it is diagnosed, please refer to the information below, effective as of the 15^th March 2020 from the Australian Department of Health Website

Or for more information, please see the Department of Health Website – https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

What is coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can make humans and animals sick. They cause illnesses that can range from the common cold to more severe diseases.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China.

Other coronaviruses include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Symptoms

Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience:

• fever
• flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue
• shortness of breath

Who is at risk?

Most cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) are in Wuhan City in Hubei Province, China.

In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are those who have:

• recently been in mainland China and Iran
• been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of coronavirus

How it spreads

There is evidence that the virus spreads from person-to-person.

The virus is most likely spread through:

• close contact with an infectious person
• contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze
• touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face

Prevention

Surgical masks in the community are only helpful in preventing people who have coronavirus disease from spreading it to others. If you are well, you do not need to wear a surgical mask as there is little evidence supporting the widespread use of surgical masks in healthy people to prevent transmission in public.

Everyone should practice good hygiene to protect against infections. Good hygiene includes:

• washing your hands often with soap and water
• using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• avoiding close contact with others, such as touching

Diagnosis

If you become unwell and think you may have symptoms of coronavirus, seek medical attention.

Call ahead of time to book an appointment. Tell your doctor about your symptoms, travel history and any recent close contact with someone who has coronavirus.

If you must leave home to see your doctor, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) to protect others.

Treatment

There is no medical treatment for coronavirus. Antibiotics do not work on viruses.

If you have been diagnosed with coronavirus, isolate yourself in your home.

How to isolate yourself

Do not go to public places, such as work, school, shopping centers, childcare or university. If possible, ask other people to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door.

Only people who usually live with you should be in your home. Do not let in visitors.