Are You At Risk for Contracting Ebola?

Unless you have been on a media-free retreat for the last several months, you are probably familiar with and closely monitoring the news related to the recent Ebola outbreak. Although at this time there have been no cases reported in New York State, it is still important to be well-informed about reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of this disease. (One case in NY has been confirmed as of 10/23/14)  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines on Ebola prevention, including:

• Practicing careful hygiene (regularly washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand-sanitizer), and
• Avoiding contact with blood and bodily fluids (including sweat and saliva), especially with anyone who exhibits symptoms of the disease.

These guidelines are a part of best practices for health care offices in general, as we typically deal with a large number of patients every day. And they are especially important as we embark upon “flu season”, a virus having many symptoms in common with the more serious disease.

Additionally, Governor Andrew Cuomo has issued an Ebola Preparedness Plan for New York State, including designating 8 hospitals statewide to treat potential Ebola patients. Click here to read more about his Preparedness Plan.

Finally, it is important that your office staff is instructed as to how they can respond to patient concerns. Remember, Ebola is not spread through casual contact, air, water, or food. It is only spread through direct contact with contaminated persons or items. Patients should alert the office if they have traveled internationally recently, or if they have been in close contact with someone who has traveled internationally and who has become ill.

For printable office notices related to this outbreak, please click below:

 

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.