OFFICE PROCEDURES

As we continue to see the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we feel it is important to share with you what AllergySA is doing to help slow the spread while continuing to provide critical care to our patients.

MANDATORY FACE COVERINGS: All patients and visitors (10 years of age and older) are required to wear a face covering while visiting our clinic.

LIMIT ONE GUEST: In an effort to limit the number of individuals in our clinic, we are asking all patients to please limit one guest or family member.

ALLERGY SHOTS: Allergy shots have resumed at all clinics with normal shot hours. For a full list of allergy shot hours visit: allergysa.com/locations. Please remember to bring your Epi pen with you and practice social distancing when in our waiting rooms.

BIOLOGICS: Now, more than ever, it is crucial that you continue on your regular preventive medications, including Biologics. Patients visiting our Medical Center location for a Biologics visit (Xolair, Nucala, Fasenra, Dupixent & Cinqair) will have a separate entrance (Suite 108) & waiting area. Signs are posted at each door guiding you to the proper entrance.

COVID-19 Testing: We are currently not a coronavirus testing site. For a list of testing locations please visit: https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/What-YOU-Can-Do/Testing

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

What are the complications of COVID-19?
Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death.

What is the incubation period of COVID-19?
2-14 days.

How can I protect myself against COVID-19?

• Work from home if possible.
• Keep your children home while their schools are closed.
• Avoid gathering in public places.
• Avoid non-essential travel.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Take off your shoes when you get home (you could wear a clean pair of house shoes/ slippers indoors).
• Stay compliant with all your daily medications.

Will wearing a face mask help me?
Wearing a face mask may keep you from touching your nose and mouth or coughing on other people but may not keep the virus out completely. As of April 20, 2020 it is now mandatory to wear a face covering when entering our clinic.

What should I do if I am sick?

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid contact with family members who are elderly or have chronic health conditions.
• Stay compliant with all your daily medications.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Do not share nebulizers, spacers, inhalers with anyone.
• Take over the counter medications and supportive measures for viral infections.
• Call your doctor if you are not improving.

Who is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?
People above the age of 60 years or those with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and immune deficiency.

How can I be tested for COVID-19?
For an up to date list of testing locations in Bexar County visit: https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/What-YOU-Can-Do/Testing

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?
The FDA has granted emergency use for two vaccines. For more information visit our COVID-19 Vaccination section at: https://allergysa.com/covid19vaccine/

Can COVID-19 be spread through food or water?
There does not seem to be any evidence of this currently.

Am I at risk for COVID-19 from a package shipped from China?
There does not seem to be any evidence of this currently.

Can I get COVID-19 multiple times?
This is a new virus and studies are still ongoing. There are reports of people who have tested positive again after recovering from COVID-19 once.

Where can I find more information about COVID-19?
You can call the San Antonio COVID-19 hotline at 210-207-5779 and read from reputable websites like:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.sanantonio.gov/health/news/alerts/coronavirus