What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus that was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China.

Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience:

fever
flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue
shortness of breath

There is evidence that it spreads from person-to-person. Good hygiene can prevent infection.

How it spreads and who is at risk?

There is evidence that the virus spreads from person-to-person.

The virus is most likely spread through:

close contact with an infectious person
contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze
touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have a cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face.

In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are those who have:

recently been in mainland China, Iran, Italy and the Republic of Korea. Please note this list will be updated periodically, for further information refer to the Australian Government website.
been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of Coronavirus

Health authorities have confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Australia. For the latest number, read the Coronavirus health alert from the Australian Government (Department of Health).

What precautions are we taking?

Rainbow Fertility is taking every precaution around patient appointments and treatments due to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus.

Please do not be offended if we ask a few extra questions over the next few weeks as we book treatments and consultations – patient safety is our priority at this time.

Rainbow Fertility is advising anyone who falls into the following categories, to delay their fertility appointments and/or treatment at Rainbow Fertility for 14 days. Please note patients have the option to change their appointment to a Skype appointment, please contact our friendly staff for further information.

Active flu-like symptoms
Recent direct contact with proven COVID-19 case
Recent return from overseas travel within the past 14 days
Any patient who has returned from overseas travel at any time after 15 March must self-isolate for 14 days.

If you think at any time that you may have been exposed to Coronavirus, please phone your clinic who will help you make the necessary changes to your treatment

We will continue to monitor all new updates and keep you informed as we receive more information from the Australian Government Department of Health.

What to look for?

The symptoms of Coronavirus are similar to those of any other upper-respiratory infection – runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes a fever. In most cases, it will not be obvious if it is Coronavirus or any different cold-causing virus.

Some practical ways to help reduce the general risk of infection include:

Avoid very close contact with people showing symptoms
Frequently washing hands
Practice good coughing etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands)
Not sharing plates, utensils with others

Fertility Society of Australia – COVID-19 recommendation

In response to the situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA) has been providing a series of recommendations that you can find on our web page F FSA – COVID-19 information page or alternatively visit their website: Fertility Society of Australia

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our friendly staff on 1300 222 623 or email info@rainbowfertility.com.au.

Useful links

COVID-19 Patient-Related Q&A | rainbowfertility.com.au/covid-19-patient-frequently-asked-questions/
Fertility Society of Australia – COVID-19 Information | https://www.fertilitysociety.com.au/
Australian Government – Department of Health | https://www.health.gov.au/
Health Alert (Australian Government – Department of Health) | https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Coronavirus Health Information Line. Call this line if you are seeking information on novel Coronavirus. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. | 1800 020 080
Healthdirect Hotline. Call this number to speak to a registered nurse about your health concerns. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | 1800 022 222 | https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

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