Editor’s Note: This is a new weekly column focused on COVID-19 that will be published in The Herald for the foreseeable future.
I’m Dr. Molly O’Dell, the Director of Communicable Disease with the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts for the Virginia Department of Health. Our mission is to protect the health and promote the well being of all people in our districts, and our vision is to become the healthiest districts in the state.
I was born and raised in beautiful Southwest Virginia and I currently live in Botetourt County. I have a BS from Longwood College, MD from the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and an MFA from University of Nebraska. I have practiced medicine in both public and private health in Southwest Virginia for over 40 years.
We are facing the largest public health and economic crises to ever face our country. Everyday we learn more about COVID-19 and how to respond better. It is different than the seasonal flu – it is causing more severe symptoms, and we do not have a vaccine or an anti-viral medication to treat it.
Most people who get sick from COVID-19 will have mild to moderate symptoms. The risk is higher for individuals who are older, or have a serious heart condition, lung disease, asthma, diabetes, renal failure, liver disease, or hypertension and having a compromised immune system.
The best way to protect yourself, your family, and your loved ones is to stay home. Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits. Wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and avoid touching your face.
If you have to be out in public, keep six feet between yourself and others. Clean frequently touched surfaces often. It is okay to go grocery shopping, just reduce your interactions with others. By reducing our interactions, we are eliminating opportunities for this disease to transmit to others and ourselves. These actions will slow down the disease and give our healthcare facilities an opportunity to care for those who need it.
If you are sick, stay home and call your doctor. It is very important to not spread any illness. Go out only to seek medical care. If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (fever, cough, and shortness of breath), call your doctor or our local Health Department Call Center: 1-855-949-8378, open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. for advice on next steps. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home.
If you are having trouble breathing, pain or pressure in your chest, confusion, or bluish lips or face, please seek medical attention immediately. It can be difficult to get a test, but we hope to expand testing. If you have questions about caring for a sick loved one, call our call center.
What I love about public health is how we all work together to meet whatever need is presented. We have a big job to respond to COVID19. I invite you to join me in social distancing, staying at home, and practicing good hygiene. We need everyone’s help to stop the spread. Let’s resolve to take the time and work through this together.
Virginia’s health is in your hands. Do your part, stop the spread.
-Dr. Molly O’Dell
Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts
