COVID-19 frequently asked outpatient questions
|
Frequently Asked Outpatient Questions |
To go back to the COVID-19 project, click here.
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] Neepa Shah, M.B.B.S.[4] Oluwabusola Fausat Adogba, MD[5]
Synonyms and keywords:
Knowledge Based Questions
What is COVID-19?
- Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are normally transmitted between animals and people. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that has not been previously identified in humans. It was first reported to WHO on the 31st of December, 2019 in Wuhan, China.
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?
CDC’s serologic test is an ELISA-based test to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum or plasma components of blood. It uses purified SARS-CoV-2 S protein (no live virus) as an antigen (designed by the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institutes of Health).
CDC’s serologic test is designed to detect antibodies produced in response to SARS-CoV-2 and minimize cross-reactivity to antibodies generated to other common coronaviruses that cause less severe illnesses, such as colds. However, potential cross-reactivity cannot be completely ruled out.
CDC’s serologic test has a specificity of greater than 99% and a sensitivity of 96% based on initial performance evaluations. It can be used to identify past SARS-CoV-2 infection in people who were infected at least 1 to 3 weeks previously.
Can COVID-19 be transmitted through the air over long distances?
- When a person with coronavirus coughs or exhales, droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch the virus by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
- COVID-19 can be transmitted when people breathe in these droplets. Therefore, it is important to stay at least 2 meters away from a person who is coughing or sneezing.
Are face-masks effective against COVID-19 ?
Is COVID-19 serious?
What is the source of the virus?
- Scientists and public health officials are working hard to identify the source of the SARS-CoV-2 which is the virus that causes COVID-19. The initial transmission appeared to be from an animal source, but there has been person-to-person transmission in countries.
How does the virus spread?
- The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
Can someone who has been quarantined for COVID-19 spread the illness?
Are countries with warmer climates immune to COVID-19?
- From the evidence so far, the virus causing COVID-19 can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather.
How can I help protect myself?
Can antibiotics treat COVID-19 ?
Can you have COVID-19 without a fever?
What is the recovery time for COVID-19?
Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?
Can COVID-19 be spread through feces?
Can COVID-19 be transmitted through food?
Can I still have sex during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Can COVID-19 be transmitted through water?
Can I get sick with COVID-19 if it is on the food?
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 still get my scheduled routine vaccinations?
Can I still get my recommended diagnostic test (eg colonoscopy)?
What is Herd immunity?
I got my tonsils removed 3 months back, am I more vulnerable than the general population?
Is it safe to get a unit of blood transfused? Should I ask for leukocyte washed or irradiated blood to be safe?
I have been on HCQ for many years for an autoimmune condition, does that make me immune to COVID-19?
I have been on HCQ for many years for an autoimmune condition, am I tolerant to the drug? Can I still benefit from the HCQ trials if I have COVID-19?
I am a consented organ donor, if I die form COVID-19 can my organs still be used for transplantation?
Will I still be able to donate my blood, platelets, stem cells to my sibling with AML/CML/Lymphoma if I recover from COVID-19?
Should an immunosuppressed patient take any drugs to prevent contracting the virus during their hospital visits?
Should the patient who recovered from COVID-19 be asked to avoid contact sports like the patients who recovered from EBV?
Are there any trails to study the long term effects in immunity, relapses, the effectiveness of drugs in patients?
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?
- Screen the staff by taking temperature and disinfect hands with soap and water, wear a mask/face cloth, practice social distancing with 6 feet apart, disinfect frequently touched surfaces multiple times in a day and self-monitor for any symptoms of coronavirus like high fever, dry cough, muscle pain, and other flu-like symptoms.
I have underlying health conditions, should I go to work?
Does cooking kill the corona-virus?
Can the corona-virus spread through frozen food?
Can people that died from COVID-19 have a funeral?
Can you contract COVID-19 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?
When can I discontinue self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19?
How long will this pandemic last?
How can I prepared for the second wave?
As an employer, can I trust that the patient who returns back to work with a negative COVID-19 report will not put the other employees at risk?
How long does the corona-virus last on surfaces?
Can I confidently go to the healthcare center to get an ultrasound or x-ray?
Can I try on clothes at the shopping centers?
What are the precautions I can take before I use public transport i.e. Bus, Train, Uber, Ola?
How does Institutional quarantine help when I am mildly symptomatic/asymptomatic?
Are washing and re-using surgical masks effective enough to control the spread of COVID-19?
What can I do if I have an allergic reaction to a mask?
Is it normal to have a foreign body sensation in the throat after the continuous use of masks? How do I prevent it?
How helpful is the commercially available cotton mask?
Is it safe to consume fresh food, fruits, and vegetables that are available in the market?
Can I drink water from the tap/ fountain in public places? do I need to start buying the bottled water?
Does AC increases the risk of spread of COVID-19 ? If so How do the airlines manage to minimize the spread?
What is good respiratory Hygiene practice? what can I teach my students and children?
Is it safe for a pregnant woman to go volunteer in children's shelter home to teach while schools are out?
How can social distancing in the classrooms/religious places/hotels/restaurants be managed? Will reducing the capacity of a room by 50% help?
Are people with pollen allergies more prone to COVID-19?
Is the virus inactivated in extremes of temperatures? Is it safe to boil the tap water and consume? Is it safe to eat ice-cream?
Cleaning and Disinfecting
- All of the information below has been compiled from the CDC, WHO, and the FDA websites.[2] [3]
- According to a study performed by Arthur Chang et al[4] it was found that there was 20% increase in the number of chemical exposures as reported by the National Poison Data System in the U.S for a period of 3 months from January 2020 to March 2020 as compared to the 3 months duration from January 2019 to March 2019.
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 in disinfecting the home?
- Here is a list of disinfectants approved by the EPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency). The EPA list mentions the EPA registration number not products by brand name. Check your cleaning/disinfectant products for the EPA registration number on the disinfectant.
Can I use bleach 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 take 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
How do I clean fruits and vegetables?
- First wash hands before and after washing vegetables with soap and water and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables in water take extra care if you are eating raw.
How can I stay safe while shopping for supplies at the supermarket?
- Wear a mask and try to keep a 1-meter distance from other people. Use disinfectant wipes to sanitize the handle of the shopping basket and trolley handles. After coming home make sure to wash hands after properly cleaning vegetables, and other food products with plastic containers should be sanitized with disinfectant wipes as its found that the corona-virus can stay on the plastic container for 72 hours, 4 hours on the copper vessel and 24 hours on cardboard.[5]
Public Safety Questions
Does a mask really decrease my chances of getting infected?
What are droplets and aerosols?
Travel Related Questions
I recently returned from a COVID-19 hot-spot, 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?
Can I take some drug (eg; HCQ) if I am traveling in an aircraft/ traveling to COVID prone area?
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?
I am pregnant, I had severe symptoms like breathlessness and delirium due to COVID-19, should I expect any long term consequences in the mental or physical health of my child?
I live in a COVID-19 predominant zone, I am asked to take HCQ- is it safe? will it help?
Is Vaginal Birth at home / underwater safe at this point of time?
When can I resume breastfeeding after recovering from COVID-19 ?
Can I donate my frozen Breast Milk to other children after recovering from COVID-19 ? should I disclose my condition?
Will men's sperm or woman's reproductive health be at risk for future pregnancies if one of them has been tested for positive and recovered from COVID-19?
Are lactation classes available during this pandemic?
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? Can I breast-feed my child?
The limited studies on breastfeeding women with COVID-19 have not found the virus in breast milk. The main concern is the parent or caregiver infecting the baby through respiratory droplets. Precautions should be taken to keep your baby healthy, including washing hands before touching and feeding your baby and wearing a face mask if you are experiencing symptoms or confirmed positive with COVID-19.
- If you have COVID-19 and choose to breastfeed:
- Wear a cloth face covering while breastfeeding and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before each feeding.
- If you have COVID-19 and choose to express breast milk:
- Use a dedicated breast pump (not shared).
- Wear a cloth face covering during expression and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching any pump or bottle parts and before expressing breast milk.
- Follow recommendations for proper pump cleaning after each use, cleaning all parts that come into contact with breast milk.
- If possible, expressed breast milk should be fed to the infant by a healthy caregiver who does not have COVID-19, is not at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and is living in the same home.
What is Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)? Is it fatal and what precautions are to be taken to avoid it?
Is it safe to allow my toddler to return to school?
Can my new born child be administered a live vaccine??
How can I differentiate the fever due to vaccine and COVID-19 in a newborn child?
Is it safe for my child to get bone marrow transplant, blood transfusion, Donor lymphocyte Infusion and Reduced-intensity conditioning?
Is it safe to allow my child to play in the park/trek?
what are the other signs I should regularly monitor for other than the Temperature of my child?
Pets/Animals and COVID-19
Is it currently safe to adopt an animal from a shelter?
Can animals contract COVID-19 from humans?
Can humans contract COVID-19 from animals humans?
What do I do if my pet gets sick after being in contact with a sick person?
Should my pet be tested?
What should I do if I think my pet has COVID-19?
Are animals responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak in humans?
What precautions can I take with live-in animals and animal products?
Is there currently a COVID-19 vaccine for pets?
Should my pet wear a face mask in public?
Keeping Spirits High in Quarantine
References
- ↑ 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). - ↑ CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): cleaning and disinfecting your home. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html
- ↑ CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): cases in the US. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html
- ↑ Chang A, Schnall AH, Law R, Bronstein AC, Marraffa JM, Spiller HA; et al. (2020). "Cleaning and Disinfectant Chemical Exposures and Temporal Associations with COVID-19 - National Poison Data System, United States, January 1, 2020-March 31, 2020". MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 69 (16): 496–498. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6916e1. PMC 7188411 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32324720 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ van Doremalen N, Bushmaker T, Morris DH, Holbrook MG, Gamble A, Williamson BN; et al. (2020). "Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1". N Engl J Med. 382 (16): 1564–1567. doi:10.1056/NEJMc2004973. PMC 7121658 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32182409 Check|pmid=value (help).