St. Francis Offers Facts about COVID-19 to Stay Safe

Since COVID-19 struck earlier this year, the medical community dedicated itself to treating those with the disease and learning as much as possible about how to stop it from spreading.

“COVID-19 has disrupted our world and has many people confused and rightfully concerned,” says C. James Romano, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at St. Francis Medical Center. “Conflicting information has come from many sources and it can be difficult to know what information, or advice, to trust. At St. Francis, we continue to share the most up-to-date, scientifically proven information about COVID-19 that is available.”

As we head into flu season, St. Francis shares some known facts about coronavirus and how to stay safe:

• COVID-19 is highly contagious, and spreads most easily through airborne droplets and in enclosed spaces.
• Wearing masks, physical distancing – including avoiding crowds and crowded places — and frequent hand washing are the most effective ways to slow the spread of this virus.
• There is no cure for COVID-19 and only limited treatments for patients who are very sick. Treatments include the use of Remdesivir and Dexamethasone.
• Several other potential therapies, such as convalescent plasma, are being utilized and studied, including at St. Francis.
• Hydroxychloroquine has not been proven effective, as demonstrated by several randomized clinical trials. Patients may even fare worse on this therapy.
• Vaccine clinical trials are accelerating, but a safe vaccine probably will not be available until sometime in 2021.
• It is essential that people stay home if they feel ill. Seek medical attention and advice. Testing may be indicated.

“Wearing masks, physically distancing from others, and frequent hand washing are currently the best defenses we have against this virus,” says Dr. Romano. “In fact, the American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, and American Nurses Association recently teamed up to create a comprehensive campaign of public service announcements to educate the public on these important precautions.”

The #WearAMask campaign is a call-to-action for the American public to wear face masks, maintain physical distancing and frequently wash hands. By taking these simple steps, everyone can contribute to slowing the spread of the virus and keeping themselves, their families and their communities safe.

What’s more, don’t forget to get your annual flu vaccination, advises Dr. Romano. “COVID-19 and the flu have similar symptoms. It’s important that you get your flu vaccination to protect yourself and lower your risk for contracting the flu.”

To learn more about how St. Francis Medical Center is helping its communities deal with COVID-19, please visit www.stfrancismedical.org