There has been a lot of media attention regarding a new coronavirus that has emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Understandably, this has caused concern amongst patients in my practice and I am fielding a fair number of questions on the subject. Here's what we know so far:
- This virus seems to be aggressive and besides the usual symptoms of cough, fever and malaise, it can lead to respiratory distress and even respiratory failure.
- Since first posting this blog, there have been several Canadian cases of the new coronavirus in Canada, including two cases in the GTA. As a result, Public Health has set up the following web page: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus
- At Pivotal Kids, we are asking each family to complete a screening questionnaire when you check in for your appointment. If you are concerned you may have been exposed to this virus, please contact us before visiting the clinic so that we can take appropriate precautions.
- At this point, the risk to Ontarians remains quite low but the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this virus to be an emerging public health emergency.