When we talk about fertility, the focus is often placed on the ovaries and the uterus. Yet sperm-related factors contribute to nearly half of all cases of infertility. Whether someone is navigating fertility care alone or with a partner, and whether building a family through intercourse, IVI, IUI or IVF, it’s vital to include sperm health in the picture.
Coronavirus and Influenza: Precautions & Procedures
Cold and flu season is in full swing. Regardless of the virus, it is imperative as medical professionals to be a part of the educational solution and also maintain our offices as a model of how to take precautions.
- Wash your hands under running water for 20-30 seconds with soap frequently. This may be the single most important precaution for preventing infection. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used unless hands are visibly soiled (e.g., any contact with oil warrants hand washing).
- Stay home if you are symptomatic and/or running a fever (perceived or confirmed by thermometer); and ask patients to stay home if they are actively symptomatic. Anyone who is symptomatic should be isolated to a room away from others to minimize further transmission.
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- Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or cloth if you sneeze or cough; then wash your hands! Wear a face mask if you are actively ill and around other people. Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, hands and mouth (high-transmission areas).
Limit exposure to large groups in small spaces. Wash your hands frequently in public spaces and consider not shaking hands at the height of flu season.
Editor's Note: The above is excerpted from a longer article set to run in the May issue.