COVID-19 update

 
February has been a challenging month for most of us. It’s been over 1 month since the Coronavirus (COVID -19) first hit Hong Kong. Being highly contagious, the mortality rate of the virus is estimated at 2% in the epicenter of the outbreak, Hubei province, but thankfully this figure is much less elsewhere. Putting this into context, SARS had a death rate of more than 10%, so although the COVID-19 might be highly contagious, it is definitely less deadly.
However, as there is no vaccine to date and with the uncertainty of when the virus will subside, or indeed where it will spread to next- it’s not surprising that many people will feel anxious about the current situation. Added to the fact that Hong Kong has seen some pretty turbulent times with the protests last year and now with the disruption caused by the virus from our daily routines, home schooling and fears over employment- it’s no wonder that some people feel emotionally distressed and drained.        
 
However, apart from the standard government advice of good hand and personal hygiene and avoiding crowded areas, there is only so much a person can do to avoid exposure to the virus.  
The best thing anyone can do in these situations is to take a step back, take a deep breath and try to look at ways to safe guard your own mental health and outlook on life to face the uncertain challenges that lie ahead. Here’s a couple of pointers that you might find useful.
 

• You will feel much better when you set up a new routine for the day, particularly if you are working from home and/or have children who are now being home schooled.
• As a parent I understand the importance of them achieving high academic grades, but as an employer I know it’s as important for children to develop interpersonal skills to equip them for their working life ahead.  These unprecedented times whilst they are off school might be the perfect opportunity to teach them such life skills such as cooking, asking them to plan a BBQ list, allowing them to plan a hiking trip etc. Also think of activities to strengthen bonding with your children. After all, they will be observing and learning from us now as to how we are handling change and uncertainties in our current lives.
• Eat healthily and sleep well.
• Try and keep up with some regular exercise twice a week.
• Download mediation apps such as CALM and Headspace. Meditation has many benefits, including reducing stress and boosting one’s immune system. Its free, easily accessible anywhere and if learnt with your child, will help them to face life’s challenges.

 

• Don’t plan too far ahead. Accept there may be changes to be made.

 

• Simple measures such as frequent vigorous hand washing, especially after touching potentially infected surfaces (like shoes, shopping trolley handles, and money), is the most important advice to reduce infection rates as well as social distancing.

 

• Epidemics bring out the best and worst in social media. Try to avoid relying on unregulated social media for information. Human behavior is such that we have a greater tendency to share emotionally evocative images and text that provokes fear and panic in us.

 

• There is still some flu vaccine available which is recommended to all from 6 months, especially this year. This does not protect you against the Coronavirus, but protects you against influenzas only. By doing so it allows your immune system to work at an optimal level to tackle any other infection you may come across, which is especially important in the current situation.

​On a side note, we will continue to implement the following preventive measures in the clinic to protect the health and safety of our patients and staff by:
 

• Screening all patients who make appointments.
• Not accepting  walk-in patients for the time being.
• Temperatures checks for all patients.
• We have also increased the frequency of disinfection of public areas in the clinic.
• Drs are always accessible by email or phone for those who are uncertain as to what to do or whether to attend the clinic for appointments.

 
Novel Coronavirus testing has just been made available to private clinics. This can be either by blood or nose and throat swab. The likelihood is that it will only be appropriate for testing of low risk patients. We will be providing our patients with more information once it becomes available.
 
In the meantime, stay calm, take sensible preventive measures and keep your self-updated with the latest information and advice via https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/index.html
 
 
Yours in Good health
Dr Lily Wong