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Information about Coronavirus

By now you have heard of COVID-19, a respiratory illness also known as coronavirus, which can cause symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. There are things that you and your family can do to help protect yourselves from getting the virus. Here is what you should know about coronavirus and ways you can be proactive about your health.

At START, your health and safety, along with the health and safety of our staff, are our top priorities.

To ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff, we continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to proactively ensure our patients and workforce remain safe and protected. START is asking patients about their recent travel history and if they exhibit symptoms of respiratory infection, including:

  • Fever greater than 100.4º F/38º C

  • Coughing, or 

  • Shortness of breath

In order to minimize the risk of infection to all of our patients and staff, we are asking that patients come to appointments alone if possible. If the situation dictates that you need to be accompanied by someone please limit it to no more than one adult family member or caregiver.

What can I do to protect myself from Coronavirus?

  • Wash your hands. Wash hands often and for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water. When washing your hands, lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. If you do not have a watch to time 20 seconds, sing “Happy Birthday” twice. If you do not have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with hands that have not been washed properly.

  • Refrain from being in crowded areas and around people who are sick. Coronavirus is thought to spread person-to-person, so it is best to avoid crowded areas and close contact with people who are coughing or sneezing.

  • Practice good hygiene. If you have to cough or sneeze, either cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow. Encourage others to do the same. Be sure to dispose of tissues properly and immediately and wash your hands promptly with soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer and rub until dry.

  • Be proactive about protecting yourself from germs. Just like with the cold or flu, take extra measures to protect yourself from other’s germs. Do so by avoiding contact such as shaking hands by waving or bowing instead. Also, regularly clean and disinfect surfaces such as door knobs, tables, phones, light switches and more on a daily basis.

  • Avoid non-essential travel. Do not travel unless necessary and educate yourself about travel restrictions that have been put into place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)or the World Health Organization (WHO).

Are cancer patients more at risk?

Although everyone is at risk of contracting the novel coronavirus, if you are going through cancer treatment it is important to take extra caution. Going through cancer treatment may cause you to have a weakened immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight infections.

What should I do if I experience symptoms?

If you are sick, stay at home. Contact your care team immediately if you are experiencing symptoms including a fever, cough or shortness of breath.

START is taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of our patients and care team members across the network. If you have any questions on the procedures at our facilities or proactive measures that you can take to protect yourself, contact your care team.

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO®) Corona Virus Resources.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Outbreak

Cancer.Net: Coronavirus 2019: What People With Cancer Need to Know

We understand that these changes may be disruptive. However, limiting visitors is one way to reduce the risk of infection to cancer patients from the general population.

If you have questions or concerns, please talk with your care team.

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