I've been getting questions from my non-ID hospital colleagues about what they need to do about #COVID19.
You can reassure them that there is no evidence that COVID-19 is circulating in Australia now. They don't need to do anything differently, but things are likely to change.
You can reassure them that there is no evidence that COVID-19 is circulating in Australia now. They don't need to do anything differently, but things are likely to change.
1. Be informed from credible sources. There's enough misinformation going around and your patients may ask you questions. The Australian and state/territory government, WHO, CDC, ECDC sites are all good (ID physicians use ProMed)
promedmail.org
promedmail.org
2. Advise patients to be conscious of personal hygiene measures to reduce the risk of transmission, such as touching face, hand washing, sneezing into elbow, and close contact with other people if transmission comes to Australia
3. Recommend a flu vaccine when available, and if possible, get them some medication in advance. It might be worth inquiring about drug supplies and potential shortages if they are on less common drugs (drug suppliers are meant to let the TGA know).
apps.tga.gov.au/prod/MSI/search
apps.tga.gov.au/prod/MSI/search
4. Make sure they have an action plan if they become unwell, need to take care of a sick family member, or are asked to be in isolation/quarantine (if this is required as a public health measure) The BBC video (although UK) is clear: bbc.com/news/uk-515067…
5. Patients planning overseas travel should check (a) travel insurance and (b) DFAT warnings on SmartTraveller. Currently there are "do not travel" warnings only for mainland China, and a few other hotspots, but this can change.
smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updat…
smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updat…
6. Make sure you are familiar with PPE (esp the difference between airborne and droplet precautions, and if recommended, which P2 mask fits you best) and ask your friendly infection control unit if your unit needs any training. Disinfect your hands.
7. Make sure your clinics can identify sick suspected patients (signage, reception screening). Find out about who you call if you have a suspected patient - if no ID team, your micro lab and local public health unit.
8. Find out about your hospital's pandemic plan. Are they clearing elective surgery lists in anticipation? Where would your patients go if the hospital got full? Can you make alternative arrangements to see patients eg telehealth?
And be nice to your ID colleagues and infection control practitioners. Some of them are still catching up on work at midnight 😴
