Noted pulmonologist Dr Nitesh Jain tells you everything that you need to know to contain the deadly virus.
Should you venture out to get groceries during the Coronavirus outbreak? How do you properly handle the essentials that come to your home? And more importantly will staying at home ensure that you don’t get infected by Coronavirus?
These are just a few of hundreds of questions people have been asking as the most infectious disease ever upends and disrupts life as we knew it.
This week The American Bazaar brings Mankato, Minnesota, -based noted pulmonologist and critical care specialist Dr Nitesh Kumar Jain to answer readers’ questions about the Coronavirus.
The American Bazaar: What do we know about Coronavirus? What is the most common mode of its transmission?
Dr Nitesh Jain: The Coronavirus is a virus which has a lipid or fat covering. It is sensitive to high concentration of alcohol like 60 to 80 percent concentrations and other commonly used disinfectants.
The transmission is predominantly through droplet, that is through air, contact of surfaces contaminated by the virus both inanimate surfaces as well as humans/animals.
The virus is very stealthy which means that it can infect via an asymptomatic carrier or also possibly contact with a contaminated surface. Also suspended viral particles around an infected person can also be infectious.
So, it follows that washing hands or using sanitizer frequently theoretically can reduce transmission of infection. Especially if inadvertently contaminated objects are brought into the house.
The virus can be found on surfaces varying from one to three days. Whether the RNA on these surfaces are truly infectious or not is not clearly known. To infect a host, it does need its outer lipid shell.
However, it is believed that the aerosol route, that is suspended viral particles in air, is more likely the predominant way of transmission.
So, wearing mask by all in public areas (Recommendation is not strong) or known infected people wearing mask (Recommended) is to be encouraged. It is best to take precautions.
AB: Everyone is talking about “flattening the curve.” By rigorously following social distancing what are we looking at and how will it actually help in the long run?
Dr Jain: One needs to remember that in a pandemic, a good percentage of the population will get infected. By aiming to “Flatten the curve” we are merely trying to prevent overburdening of the health care system.
And that is what is happening in New York and Italy, where medical personnel are faced with difficult decisions on whom to prioritize and save.
AB: Can a person who is once infected get Coronavirus again?
Dr Jain: It is widely believed that once infected, a person will develop antibodies and be immune for at least a year or more.
AB: How long do you think the restrictions will be in place?
Dr Jain: At some point in the next four to eight weeks, like it is happening in Wuhan, the restrictions may be eased.
An important consideration will be the incidence of new cases and hospital capacity to care for very sick patients.
If after the restrictions are eased, the number of cases start increasing and reaches again a critical point, new restrictions can be placed.
So, the virus will essentially be playing hide and seek with us. In some states, administration has already voiced concern that they may not open schools again for this academic year.
As individuals, we need to continue all possible precautions that reduce transmission of the virus and helps ourselves and our communities.
AB: How about groceries? Since everyone needs food while at home, what is recommended to go out grocery shopping or to try to order in?
Dr Jain: It’s a good question. And unfortunately, there are no clear guidelines. Some common sense will help here.
- Ordering your grocery will minimize contact and if someone can deliver all the better.
- Use sanitizers and wipes when picking up carts.
- Keep a list and shop quickly.
- Keep social distance of two feet as much as possible.
- Keep your grocery bag in your car and wash your bag frequently.
- Wash hands when you get home.
- Don’t keep food out for days.
- Soap is not recommended for food. So, wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
- Cook food which can be consumed after heating or warming instead of eating raw, for eg bread.
- Use of mask while shopping can be helpful.
As we learn more about the disease, guidelines and recommendations evolve. Keep an eye on the recommended changes from reliable sources.
AB: Can we go for a walk, jog or run in the park? What about playing in the backyard just with the family members?
Dr Jain: You have to live with family and you will end up cross infecting. Some health care workers avoid going to their house and are scared of infecting vulnerable elderly folks and kids.
Huge sacrifice. If you can keep the distance socially, in a less crowded area it may be reasonable to take a stroll. Better still if you can go and take a walk in the wilderness keeping one’s safety in mind. Most Gyms are obviously closed. Keep your local health care directives and administrative orders in mind.
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