While the COVID-19 virus can infect anyone, it can be an extremely dangerous and even life-threatening issue for some. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified factors like older age, lung disease, heart conditions, and a weakened immune system as aspects that increase a person’s risk of severe complications from COVID-19. It’s completely normal to feel anxious or unsure if you or a loved one is at risk of becoming seriously ill from the coronavirus. Your Boerne, TX dentist answers five common questions from at-risk patients about staying healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1.) What’s the Best Way to Protect Myself & My Loved Ones From COVID-19?
Since there is no vaccine for COVID-19, the best way to keep yourself and others healthy is to avoid exposure to it and stay at home as often as possible. If you must go out, it’s essential to practice social distancing. Stay six feet away from others, don’t touch high-traffic surfaces, and wear a face covering when out in public. Even when you’re at home, regularly wash your hands and disinfect frequently touched areas.
2.) How Can I Safely Get Groceries?
To stay healthy while getting groceries, choose an option like contact-less delivery, drive-thru service, or in-store pickup to minimize your contact with others. If you choose to shop in person, consider choosing a store that offers special shopping hours for those at a higher risk of COVID-19 complications.
3.) What Precautions Can I Take When Ordering Takeout?
When choosing takeout, use contact-less delivery options and drive-thrus whenever possible. If you choose to support local restaurants that don’t offer either option, be sure to wear a face covering and practice social distancing when you enter the store to pick up your food.
4.) Is There a Safe Way to Get My Prescriptions?
Instead of walking into your local pharmacy to get your prescriptions, use their drive-thru or ask if they offer home delivery options instead. Alternatively, you can use a mail-order pharmacy. You can contact your physician to request your prescriptions are sent to a pharmacy that offers these options.
5.) Should I Still Go to My Doctor or Dentist Appointment?
While some doctor or dental appointments are necessary for your continuing health, others can be postponed or perhaps changed to a virtual appointment. To determine the best course of action, simply call your physician or dentist and ask if you should still visit their office. If you do need to visit their practice, be sure to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and rest assured that the staff are working tirelessly to keep their environments clean.
Remember, if you or a loved one is at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, you should stay home as much as possible. Thankfully, a few extra precautions like the ones above can go a long way in keeping you safe and healthy during the coronavirus pandemic.
About the Practice
Your Boerne, TX emergency dentist at Boerne Dental Center cares about your overall wellbeing just as much as the health of your smile. We have always maintained the high standards of sanitation and infection control set forth by the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In these unusual times, we have added even more safety precautions in order to keep our patients and staff healthy. If you’d like to learn more about our commitment to your safety, we’d be happy to answer your questions via our website or at (830) 249-2045.