COVID-19 frequently asked outpatient questions

Revision as of 19:31, 14 June 2020 by Bosky Soni (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

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

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.[1]

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.[2]

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.[3]

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.[1]
  • 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?

  • The use of face-masks has been demonstrated to slow the spread of COVID-19.
  • Studies conducted in community and healthcare settings observed that the use of face-masks was helpful in reducing the spread of the virus. [4]

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.[1]

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?

  • Yes, one can be diagnosed with COVID-19 without having a fever. Although a majority of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 have fever as a symptom, there are patients who develop other symptoms like shortness of breath, cough and fatigue without developing a fever.[5]

What is the recovery time for COVID-19?

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

  • No, currently there is no vaccine that can prevent COVID-19. Researchers from all over the world are working on developing a vaccine for this virus, and are hopeful that a viable vaccine will be developed in the coming months.

Can COVID-19 be spread through feces?

  • There is a lot of research being done regarding this, and there is no conclusive evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through feces.[6]

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?

Does drinking alcohol inactivate 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 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.[7] [8]
  • According to a study performed by Arthur Chang et al[9] 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.

Is bleach an effective cleaning agent for the coronavirus?

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.[10]

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?

Are there any Online New-mom groups that I can join to keep up and share my pregnancy-related anxiety during the shelter-in-place period?


Children and COVID-19[11]

How can I protect my child from contracting COVID-19?

  • You can encourage your child to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by teaching them to do the same things everyone should do to stay healthy.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
    • 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.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles).
    • Launder items, including washable plush toys, as appropriate and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

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?

The CDC as well as several other government agencies are working with state and local health departments to learn more about the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 and gather more information as quickly as possible about how common it is and who is at risk. As new information becomes available, it will be provided to parents and caregivers as well as healthcare and public health professionals. MIS-C has been described as inflammation (swelling) across multiple body systems, potentially including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal organs. Signs and symptoms of MIS-C include fever and various symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, and feeling tired.

If your child has any of these symptoms, other symptoms of COVID-19, or other concerning signs, contact your pediatrician. If your child is showing any emergency warning signs including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face, severe abdominal pain, or other concerning signs, seek emergency care right away.

Is it safe to allow my toddler to return to school?

Can my newborn 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?

  • Reported symptoms in children include but are not limited to cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported.

Pets/Animals and COVID-19[11][12]

Is it currently safe to adopt an animal from a shelter?

  • Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. There is no reason to think that any animals, including shelter pets, play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

Can humans contract COVID-19 from animals?

  • At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. A small number of pets have been reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after contact with people with COVID-19.
  • Pets have other types of coronaviruses that can make them sick, like canine and feline coronaviruses. These other coronaviruses cannot infect people and are not related to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals, such as washing your hands and maintaining good hygiene. For more information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets, livestock, and wildlife, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website.

What do I do if my pet gets sick after being in contact with a sick person?

  • There is a small number of animals around the world reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after having contact with a person with COVID-19. Talk to your veterinarian about any health concerns you have about your pets.
  • If your pet gets sick after contact with a person with COVID-19, do not take your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let them know the pet was around a person with COVID-19. Some veterinarians may offer telemedicine consultations or other plans for seeing sick pets. Your veterinarian can evaluate your pet and determine the next steps for your pet’s treatment and care.

Should my pet be tested?

  • No. At this time, routine testing of animals for COVID-19 is not recommended.

What should I do if I think my pet has COVID-19?

  • Do not take your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. There is a small number of animals around the world reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after having contact with a person with COVID-19. Talk to your veterinarian about any health concerns you have about your pets.

Are animals responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak in humans?

  • Previous outbreaks of novel viruses i.e. SARS and MERS were traced to horseshoe bats and passed through other species, such as palm civet and camels. Ongoing research is trying to identify the suspected animal source for the COVID-19 outbreak and as well as any other intermediate hists.

Is there currently a COVID-19 vaccine for pets?

  • At this time, there are no known vaccines for pets.

Should my pet wear a face mask in public?

  • NO! There is no evidence that face masks will protect your pet from COVID-19. The use of facemasks by pets can cause other breathing difficulties.

Keeping Spirits High in Quarantine


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "NCDC Coronavirus COVID-19 Microsite".
  2. 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).
  3. "Serology Testing for COVID-19 at CDC | CDC".
  4. MacIntyre, C. Raina; Chughtai, Abrar Ahmad (2020). "A rapid systematic review of the efficacy of face masks and respirators against coronaviruses and other respiratory transmissible viruses for the community, healthcare workers and sick patients". International Journal of Nursing Studies. 108: 103629. doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103629. ISSN 0020-7489.
  5. Guan, Wei-jie; Ni, Zheng-yi; Hu, Yu; Liang, Wen-hua; Ou, Chun-quan; He, Jian-xing; Liu, Lei; Shan, Hong; Lei, Chun-liang; Hui, David S.C.; Du, Bin; Li, Lan-juan; Zeng, Guang; Yuen, Kwok-Yung; Chen, Ru-chong; Tang, Chun-li; Wang, Tao; Chen, Ping-yan; Xiang, Jie; Li, Shi-yue; Wang, Jin-lin; Liang, Zi-jing; Peng, Yi-xiang; Wei, Li; Liu, Yong; Hu, Ya-hua; Peng, Peng; Wang, Jian-ming; Liu, Ji-yang; Chen, Zhong; Li, Gang; Zheng, Zhi-jian; Qiu, Shao-qin; Luo, Jie; Ye, Chang-jiang; Zhu, Shao-yong; Zhong, Nan-shan (2020). "Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China". New England Journal of Medicine. 382 (18): 1708–1720. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2002032. ISSN 0028-4793.
  6. Amirian, E. Susan (2020). "Potential fecal transmission of SARS-CoV-2: Current evidence and implications for public health". International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 95: 363–370. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.04.057. ISSN 1201-9712.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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).
  10. 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).
  11. 11.0 11.1 "Coronavirus (COVID-19) frequently asked questions | CDC".
  12. "Coronavirus and Pets: FAQs for Owners - Veterinary Medicine at Illinois".


Template:WikiDoc Sources