COVID-19 Information

4/30/20-  “In everything we do, we believe in taking care of you”

–               Providers at CFPSM

We are writing you, our patients, to give you the best current information that we have regarding novel coronavirus antibody testing.  As some of you might have heard, antibody testing has arrived for the SARS-CoV-2 virus through LabCorp, our lab partner with Duke and CFPSM.  I would like to explain this a little more to let you know what the goals and limitations of this testing.

1)       We will be offering both IgM and IgG testing to evaluate if you have had an immune response to the SAR-CoV-2 virus.  IgM antibodies indicate an early immune response and this antibody usually starts being produced within 2-5 days of the exposure. IgG antibodies indicate later immune response and tend to start being produced within 2+ weeks after an exposure.   At this time IgM usually begins to decline within the blood and IgG becomes the predominate antibody type that remains

2)      Usually, IgG antibodies indicate some form of immunity has begun to occur after the viral exposure.  That being said, long-term immunity is slightly more complicated than this alone for multiple immunologic reasons.  Due to this, we do not know at this time if IgG will remain at adequate levels or be specific enough to prevent a future infection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

3)      Therefore, as we begin to use this test, we need to let you know that at this time, it is still unknown how much immunity (and for how long) positive antibodies provide.  We can tell you (with reasonable certainty in the context of some error within all testing) if you have had a prior exposure.  This test is also not a good test to use for current infection, and accordingly, we will still be ordering our standard nasal swab test to diagnose acute COVID-19 infections for the foreseeable future.

Thank you for your support of our clinic over the last few weeks (and years) as we have worked to make more sense of this odd time for everyone.  We remain dedicated to serving our community and patients with the utmost care for years to come.

Michael J. Harris MD

Carolina Family Practice and Sports Medicine,

Clinical faculty, Duke University Department of Community and Family Medicine

Dear Patient:

As you are aware, there is a growing concern regarding the spread of a novel coronavirus, now known as COVID-19. We understand you are likely thinking about what this means for you and your loved ones.

Your safety and well-being are our top priority. We want to assure you that the Duke University Health System is prepared to care for our community. We have resources in place to prevent the spread of infection while at the same time allow us to continue to provide excellent patient care.
Our hospitals and clinics are operating normally with flu visitor restrictions in place to protect against the spread of illness. We will post any changes in this status on our website.

We want to help you remain healthy and safe. Remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. You can see more useful tips on our website.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses like the flu. These include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have recently traveled and now feel sick, call before visiting to your doctor’s office, urgent care clinic or emergency room. Your doctor will let you know what to do next and if you need to be tested for COVID-19. Duke Health also offers virtual visits 24/7, no appointment needed for $49 through Duke Health Anywhere. To learn more, visit the Duke Health Anywhere webpage.

If you have general questions about the virus or how it spreads, we encourage you call to the North Carolina COVID-19 Helpline: 1-866-462-3821.
Together, we can reduce your risk of being exposed to the virus and help you and your family remain healthy and safe.

Sincerely,
Thomas Owens, MD
President, Duke University Hospital
Senior Vice President, Duke University Health System

How can you prevent the spread of Respiratory illness?

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Then perform hand hygiene.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask (facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of respiratory illness and COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of disease to others)

The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. ?If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Download the PDF

Download the PDF

North Carolina COVID updates can be found at:

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/nc-updates