More about COVID-19
COVID-19
Coronavirus
What can I do to protect myself?
Healthcare experts recommend to stock at least a two-week supply of perishable food items, personal prescriptions and basic supportive medications. Unfortunately, the panic has caused shortages due to people purchasing 4 to 6 times what they normally do.
Basic necessities such as toilet paper, wipes, and baby formula are becoming hard to find. This is especially difficult for the elderly who may not be able to rush to the store to buy supplies. It has caused frustration as stores continue to try to restock, but are unable to keep up with the demand. The best advice I can give is to purchase enough for you and your family, but keep your neighbors in mind. If you have elderly neighbors, it would be great to call them and see if you could do some grocery shopping for them. Patience is needed as people are worried and lines at the stores may be longer. If you can stay home then do. If you can go out as little as possible then do so. This will help decrease the chances of contracting and transmitting the virus.
Prescription medications are being covered by most health plans to allow a 90 day supply fill at a time. In addition copayments and out of pocket expenses for testing for COVID-19 are being waived by many insurance health plans.
Remember to practice proper hand hygiene, washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which is the approximate length to sing “Happy Birthday”. Remember to get your fingers and finger nails, where germs tend to build up since we use our fingers to touch objects.
Don’t forget your phones, they are in our hands constantly and can carry germs. Depending on the type of phone, you may want to use a disinfectant wipe to clean it. Use a disinfectant spray or wipe to clean counters. Choose disinfecting products that list effective against human coronavirus. Check the back of the label on products to see if the coronavirus is listed.
If you choose to use hand sanitizer (if you can get your hands on some), choose one with at least 60% alcohol. For pharmacies in California the board of pharmacy just released an update on compounding hand sanitizer and I will soon have a blog post on this and the differences between hand sanitizers.
As far as face masks, they are too loose to eliminate bacteria or viruses, as secretions can reach people’s eyes. If patients are in direct contact with the elderly, immunocompromised patients, or infants, they may want to wear a mask if they are having symptoms. However unnecessary usage of face masks are causing face mask shortages, especially for healthcare workers. Watch the CDC website as data and recommendations are emerging daily.
How about medications? Is there a medication to help treat or stop COVID-19? Is there a vaccine?
As of today there is no cure or treatment for COVID-19, other than medications to support symptoms. Scientists are working on a vaccine, with trials in humans set to start soon. An effective vaccine that will be available to the public may take at least a year. Medications, including existing antivirals are being tested, however there is no anti-viral as of yet that is said to treat COVID-19.
Nonetheless, a fever is associated with COVID-19 as well as a dry cough. This means that you should have supportive medications on hand, in case you do develop symptoms. You will want to ensure that you have enough antipyretics (medications that work on decreasing the fever) that are easily accessible. These include acetaminophen, commonly referred to as Tylenol®, and ibuprofen, commonly referred to as Motrin® or Advil®. If you do develop a fever and think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, please call your doctor immediately to be advised on what to do. You may also decide on stocking on medications for the cough and itchy throat such as Delsym® and throat lozenges.
In addition, keeping your immune system strong is essential. Experts do suggest getting a flu shot if you have not, since it is still considered flu season. A flu shot will not directly protect you from COVID-19, however not contracting the flu helps strengthen your immune system. The stronger your immune system the better chance you have fighting COVID.
More ways to keep your immune strong will be posted in an upcoming blog.
Update: The World Health Organization recently shared an update about concerns of ibuprofen and COVID on their Twitter account. On Harvard.health it was stated that the World Health Organization initially advised against ibuprofen, also known as Motrin, and if a fever develops and you have suspected Coronavirus. This was speculated due to a small French study that speculated patients who were treated with ibuprofen and had COVID had worsening outcomes. This information against ibuprofen could be found on numerous sites and searches on the internet. So is ibuprofen harmful in COVID? Here is what The World Health Organization has now issued as the following statement “Based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against current recommendations”. Motrin is an NSAID that is used to treat fever. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
