Q+A with Dr Lyon and Dr Chessor
We have a Q+A thread over on our Facebook page where practice patients can ask questions about Covid-19 and Dr Suzanne Lyon or Dr David Chessor will post a response. It's been a little quiet so far, but check back here for updates.
In the meantime, we don't need to reinvent the wheel - NSW Health has an excellent Covid-19 FAQ page.
What do I do if my employer insists on a medical certificate when I sensibly keep myself at home with a simple cold or flu?
We appreciate that many employers require a medical certificate if you have missed work. However, in the context of the current Covid-19 crisis, we would advise the following - we are not going to bring cold or flu patients to the surgery unless there is a MEDICAL need for it!
1. Enquire if your employer is willing to relax their policies - this is just common sense!
2. Complete a Statutory Declaration to state that you were unwell and couldn't attend work - this is a legal alternative to a medical certificate under Australia's Fair Work Act
3. If all that fails - submit an online request. We'll do you one for $20 and include a big thankyou for being a sensible and responsible human!
I've recently been overseas, and now I'm unwell. What do I do?
Pick up the phone! Call the national Covid-19 (1800 020 080), or call us (02 6581 3007), and we'll advise you what to do. DON'T present to a general practice without calling and getting instructions to do so! DON'T present to hospital unless you are very unwell, such as severe shortness of breath.
I haven't been overseas, but I'm unwell with a cold or a flu. What do I do? (As of Wednesday 11th March)
Stay at home! Cold and flu illnesses don't need any specific treatment, so rest up, stay away from work, school and other public places, and don't return until you are completely well. If you are concerned that you are getting more unwell, call us, and one of our doctors will triage you over the phone first.
My child is unwell with cold or flu symptoms? What do I do? (As of Wednesday 11th March)
Exactly the same as above! If your child has been overseas, call the Covid-19 hotline or our clinic for assessment and further instructions.
If your child hasn't been overseas, exclude them from school and other group activities until they are completely well, and call us if you are worried they are getting more unwell.
I've heard the virus can't survive over 27 degrees.
This is rubbish! It lives in people whose bodies run a full 10 degrees higher than that. Don't pay attention to random stuff on Facebook - use reputable sources of information - a good start is these links.