Statement on Coronavirus Disease

Coronavirus close up

 Statement on Coronavirus Disease

For the safety of our patients and staff, Capital Digestive Care is taking precautions to identify patients who may have been exposed to or infected with coronavirus disease.  In addition to conducting screening during our scheduling process, we are issuing pre-appointment advisories and have educated Capital Digestive Care staff members on appropriate response should they be presented with a suspected case of infection.

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause a spectrum of illness from the common cold to more severe diseases. This novel strain of coronavirus called SARSCoV2 was first detected in Wuhan, China and causes the illness you are hearing about in the media (COVID19).  Transmission generally occurs via human to human contact and particularly when an infected person sneezes or coughs near another person (within 6 feet).

The Centers for Disease Control has very specific recommendations on how to avoid transmission.  The situation is rapidly evolving in the U.S. and we encourage you to stay up to date.  About Coronoavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)


What does this mean for our patients with Inflammatory bowel disease?

IBD is a condition of altered immune function.  Because there is an increased risk of influenza and influenza-related complications in patients with both untreated and treated inflammatory bowel disease, we should assume that the same is true for Coronavirus.  In particular, patients treated with medications that modify the immune system are considered immunocompromised and are likely to be at the highest risk.

We recommend you use reliable sources of information to stay appropriately informed such as The Centers for Disease Control website.  Below are general precautions that we suggest in accordance with their recommendations.

  1. Avoid being in contact with sick people
  2. Wash your hands frequently
  3. Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
  4. Let your medical provider know if you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath
  5. Please get your flu vaccine if you have not already!
  6. Avoid travel to countries with a high prevalence of coronavirus

If you have additional concerns, please contact your physician using your patient portal.

image of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)