Prevention

According to the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH), the best way to prevent transmission of the coronavirus is to:

• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you’re sick. Do NOT go to school/work.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Get your flu shot. With current seasonal influenza activity it is likely there will be confusion, and those with influenza will exhibit similar signs and symptoms such as fever and cough.
• Practice social distancing, a way to keep people from interacting closely or frequently enough to spread an infectious disease.
• Follow respiratory etiquette: cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then dispose of it in the trash can immediately. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

Seniors are at a greater risk for COVID-19, especially those who have underlying health conditions. The HDOH recommends that older adults and individuals with underlying health issues avoid non-essential travel, including cruises. Avoid large crowds, wash your hands, and keep medications and groceries on-hand.

Remember to contact your physician when you are not feeling well and keep appointments that are already scheduled. We can see you virtually or in-person. For face-to-face visits, we’ve taken additional steps to help keep you and our providers safe. See what some of our physicians are saying about our preventative care during COVID-19.