Monday, March 16, 2020 - 11:56am By The Leader Staff

Hanford Adventist Health Hospital and medical professionals prepared to help should the need arise

Kings County’s largest hospital, Adventist Health, located in Hanford, is working hard to inform residents and prepare for any eventualities concerning coronavirus. The hospital reports that it has highly trained infection prevention practitioners strictly adhering to the guidelines of the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) and the public health department.

While Kings County’s local health professionals are gearing up, according to the latest update from the Kings County Department of Health, it currently is monitoring three individuals in Kings County and still have confirmed no coronavirus cases.

In addition to the Kings County Public Health, Adventist Health has included valuable information about the coronavirus on its website at https://www.adventisthealth.org/coronavirus-preparedness.

The Hanford hospital has also established an advice line to provide information about coronavirus. This advice line is staffed by experienced registered nurses to answer questions about coronavirus or concerns about visiting an Adventist Health clinic or hospital. The phone number is 844-542-8840, and it is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through Friday. Additional questions can be answered by visiting the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Reported illness ranges from mile symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC).

The following symptoms may appear up to 14 days after exposure:

Fever
Couth
Shortness of breath

What should you do if you have these symptoms?

Do not come to the hospital. You should call your primary care physician if:

You develop symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath)
You have been in close contact with a person known to have COVIDC-19, or
You have recently traveled to an area of concern.

Are you protecting yourself from catching the coronavirus?

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Get a flu shot (for everyone six months and older)
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.’
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces