COVID-19 frequently asked outpatient questions

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Frequently Asked Outpatient Questions

COVID-19 Main Page

Knowledge Based Questions

Everyday Life Questions

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Covid-19 in the Workplace

Public Safety Questions

Travel Related Questions

Pregnancy and COVID-19

Children and COVID-19

Pets/Animals and COVID-19

Keeping Spirits High in Quarantine

Vaccine Related Questions

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Roukoz A. Karam, M.D.[2] Aisha Adigun, B.Sc., M.D.[3]

Synonyms and keywords:

Knowledge Based Questions

  • What tests are used to diagnose COVID-19?
    • The FDA has so far approved two types of tests for diagnosing COVID-19; a molecular test that detects the virus's genetic material using a lab technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and an antigen test that detects certain proteins that are part of the virus.[1]
  • How accurate are the COVID-19 serology tests?
  • Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted through the air over long distances?
  • Are masks effective against the coronavirus disease?
  • Is COVID-19 serious?
  • What is the source of the virus?
  • How does the virus spread?
  • Can someone who has been quarantined for COVID-19 spread the illness?
  • Are countries with warmer climates immune to COVID-19?
  • How can I help protect myself?
  • Can antibiotics treat the coronavirus disease?
  • Is bleach an effective cleaning agent for the coronavirus disease?
  • Can you have the coronavirus disease without a fever?
  • What is the recovery time for the coronavirus disease?
  • Is there a vaccine for coronavirus?
  • Can the coronavirus disease spread through feces?
  • Can the coronavirus disease spread through food?
  • Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic?
  • Can the coronavirus disease spread through water?
  • Can i get sick with COVID-19 if it is on the food?
  • Does drinking alcohol kill the coronavirus?
  • What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
  • Where do I go to get tested for COVID-19?
  • How can I avoid getting infected with COVID-19?
  • Can I get COVID-19 from my pets or other animals?
  • Can I still get my scheduled routine vaccinations?
  • Can I still get my recommended diagnostic test (eg colonoscopy)?

Everyday Life Questions

  • How can I get back to work and avoid infection?
  • What do I need to protect myself when I go to the gym?
  • My wife and I are >65. Is it safe to go to the store?
  • What is the difference between self-isolation, social-distancing and quarantine?
  • Can I report someone who I believe is infected but has refused to self isolate?
  • As a business owner, how can I protect my staff?
  • I have underlying health conditions, should I go to work?
  • Does cooking kill the coronavirus?
  • Can the coronavirus disease spread through frozen food?
  • Can people that died from the coronavirus disease have a funeral?
  • Can you contract the coronavirus disease from a package in the mail?
  • Does drinking alcohol increase my risk of getting COVID-19?
  • Does smoking cigarettes increase my risk of getting COVID-19?

Cleaning and Disinfecting

  • How do I clean and disinfect surfaces?
    • Use soap and water to clean the surfaces which will help in cleaning the dirt. Afterward, use disinfectants to kill the microbes. Here is a list of disinfectants approved by the EPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency). Always use disposable gloves.
  • What surfaces at home should I disinfect regularly?
    • High contact surfaces such as; doorknobs, sinks, dining tables, Phones, Laptops, light switches, keyboards.
  • What products can I use for disinfecting the home?
    • Here is a list of disinfectants approved by the EPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency).
  • Can I use bleach at to disinfect at home?
    • Yes, use bleach 5 tablespoons per gallon of water.
  • How often and when do I clean hands with soap and water while at home?
    • Wash hands before and after cooking, eating, cleaning surfaces, laundry, touching any supplies brought from the store.
  • Do I have to separate the laundry of a COVID-19 infected family member?
    • You can mix laundry. Be sure to wash hands before and after doing laundry.
  • What precautions can I follow as a caregiver to my family in quarantine?
    • If you are the caregiver at your house, provide support with basic needs i.e; give medicines as per doctor's advice, give medicines to help with symptoms (i.e acetaminophen to lower fever). It is very important to watch for warning signs like - Trouble breathing, excessive pain in the chest, lack of response to verbal stimulation, confusion, and bluish discoloration of lips. Clean and disinfect the house as per the above recommendations. Have a separate bathroom if possible. Wear disposable gloves and wash hands with soap and water afterward when handling laundry or utensils of infected persons. Limit contact, wear a scarf or cloth face mask when around the sick person at home. Check if you are getting any symptoms like fever, dry cough, muscle pain, and other flu-like symptoms. As a caregiver, you should quarantine yourself for 14 days if you have come in contact with the sick person whether you are symptomatic or not.
  • I don't have symptoms but my family member has tested positive should I quarantine myself?
    • yes.

Public Safety Questions

Travel Related Questions

  • I recently returned from a COVID-19 hotspot, What do I do?
  • What precautionary measures can my family and I take when we travel?
  • When can I return to work after a arrive from a country with confirmed COVID-19 cases?
  • What should I do if there was a sick passenger on my flight?
  • Should I delay my vacation?
  • Does a particular mode of transportation increase my risk of contracting COVID-19?
  • Can I go camping?
  • Should I wear a face-covering throughout my trip?
  • What do I do if I get sick after a recent Trip?
  • What steps can I take to decrease my chance of infection during a trip?

Pregnancy and COVID-19

  • I am pregnant, how can I protect myself from contracting COVID-19?
  • Are COVID-19 outcomes worse in pregnant women?
  • Can I pass the virus to my unborn child?
  • What should I do if I am pregnant and get sick?
  • Are the risks of known pregnancy complications increased due to COVID-19?

Children and COVID-19

  • How can I protect my child from contracting COVID-19?
  • Can family members visit my newborn child?
  • Is COVID-19 transmitted via breast milk?
  • What is Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)? Is it fatal and what precautions are to be taken to avoid it?

Keeping Spirits High in Quarantine


References

  1. Patel R, Babady E, Theel ES, Storch GA, Pinsky BA, St George K; et al. (2020). "Report from the American Society for Microbiology COVID-19 International Summit, 23 March 2020: Value of Diagnostic Testing for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19". mBio. 11 (2). doi:10.1128/mBio.00722-20. PMC 7157705 Check |pmc= value (help). PMID 32217609 Check |pmid= value (help).


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