Covid 19

In general advice for right now (updated):


Dr. Pierce and Dr.  Sharkey agree with the advice from our Maine CDC and they recommend social distancing by avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, staying home, frequent hand washing especially after being out in public, and getting tested for influenza + covid 19 if you have a fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath.  We recommend our patients call our office so we can triage and then direct you if indicated to a testing site at either Midcoast or Mercy hospital.  Although not ideal, we can collect samples from you in our parking lot outside the office and send them to the Nordx lab.  Due to the large volume of tests being performed, Results are back in about 3-5days.  

• Good source of Covid-19 info is the Maine CDC:  https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/
• Also Avi Schiffman’s webpage with accurate world map and covid-19 case counts:    https://ncov2019.live

To avoid getting sick:  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home/work from home and avoid close contact with others (give 6 ft distance between people)
• Avoid unnecessary travel, and limit grocery store trips to one every 2 weeks
• Avoid crowds and any meetings with more than 10 people.  Stay home if you’re sick until you’re afebrile and feeling better + 3 more days.  
• Elbow bump, wave, or nod to avoid shaking hands
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve at your elbow. 

If sick:  

• Drink plenty of water
• Eat your fruits and vegetables
• Go to bed 1/2h early every night to get enough rest
• For congestion:  Mucinex 12h taken every 12h
• For cough:  daytime pseudoephedrine (sudafed PE) every 6h only if you do not have high blood pressure and nighttime Benadryl 25mg safe for people with and without high blood pressure
• For muscle or throat pain:  Tylenol 500 mg every 4-6h.  
• Call us at 207-847-9200 for shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever more than 100.4F, worsening, or any questions.