Information for Patients regarding the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus
Updated: March 9, 2020
In recent weeks, the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus has been identified as a potential risk to public health. As a community caregiver, the Faculty of Dentistry takes the health of its patients and community seriously, and shares the following information to help prevent further spread of this virus.
What is it?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some human coronaviruses spread easily between people, while others do not. Your risk of severe disease may be higher if you have a weakened immune system.This may be the case for:
- older people
- people with chronic disease (for example, diabetes, cancer, heart, renal or chronic lung disease)
Symptoms
Symptoms range from common to severe respiratory illnesses, and include:
- fever
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- pneumonia and kidney failure
If you feel sick after travel to areas of known exposure to COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus, please see a health care provider immediately. Tell your health care provider the countries you visited, and if you received any form of medical care, including (but not limited to):
- blood transfusions
- injections
- dental care
- surgery
If you think you may have been exposed, either through travel or through close contact of an infected individual, and if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of illness above, please contact your student care provider or the Clinic Office (416-864-8000) to reschedule your dental appointment.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Dr. J. Posluns
Director of Clinics
For more information on this virus outbreak, please refer to the following website:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov