Whether during a pandemic or the typical annual flu season, certain precautions are always wise. For this reason, I have composed an Illness Policy that applies to any contagious illness. Rest assured, should I become ill, I will follow these guidelines out of courtesy to you, as well.  

If an appointment is missed because of illness, we will either reschedule your appointment or have a phone chat to discuss some of what would be covered in a face-to-face visit.

Common symptoms that may or may not be related to a contagious infection are: fever, coughs, sneezes, green nose mucus, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash of unknown origin, and a general feeling of tiredness.

For the protection of your family and mine, please consider these precautions when you are scheduled for a visit.

  • If you are sick, stay home.
  • If someone in your household is sick, stay home and take care of your loved one.
  • Please do not bring sick children to the office.
  • When you go into labor, if someone in your household has symptoms, keep the sick person behind a closed door in another part of the house, or send them to a sitter.

I wipe down surfaces and change linens after each appointment.

Please don’t be offended if I wipe some surfaces before setting up birth supplies.

A few reminders when illness is in your home:

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. When traveling, if soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes are good alternatives.
  • Cough into your elbow, not your hand.
  • Wipe surfaces that you touch frequently with disinfecting wipes or alcohol on a cottonball.
    • Steering wheel, knobs, door handles of your car
    • Door knobs and cabinet pulls in your house
    • Computer keyboard and mouse
    • On/off switches and lamp controls
    • Appliance controls, remote controls
    • Phones
    • Bathroom fixtures
  • Wash linens regularly if someone in the house is ill.
  • Use disinfectant spray on surfaces that cannot be washed or wiped, like upholstered furniture and pillows.
  • Don’t go to the doctor’s office or emergency room. Instead, call ahead, explain your symptoms, and then follow their instructions. This is to protect you and others.