Should I wear a mask too and can I still go to a dentist?

Q

I had understood masks weren’t necessary but everyone seems to be wearing them. Do I need to?

A

As with testing, the issue of masks isn’t straightforward. Used wrongly, they can be next to useless and lull people into a false sense of security. Coronavirus is spread in droplets that are airborne when someone coughs or sneezes. If someone is sick, a mask can lessen the likelihood of them spreading the virus. They can also help protect someone coming into close contact with a patient. But these masks must be worn correctly. They are designed to be used once as the outside could be contaminated. Thorough handwashing should follow this.

The mask can also become contaminated if it is fiddled with or pushed up into your hair or under your chin. They can make people more likely to touch their face. Moreover, there is a shortage of masks for HSE workers, so buying them may mean depriving someone who actually needs one.

Q

I’ve lost my sense of smell, and hear that it’s a symptom of Covid-19. What should I do?

A

It’s possibly Covid-19 – reports suggest a third of patients with the infection suffer anosmia, a loss of the sense of smell.

Some claim this is their only symptom, although there isn’t enough evidence for us to know either way.

Anosmia is also a common symptom of colds and even hay fever.

The safest thing to do would be to self-isolate for 14 days, although, at present, guidelines do not specify this.

If you’re already working from home and following socialdistancing rules, this should not make much of a difference – but be extra careful with those you live with and make sure you wash your hands carefully and regularly.

Those caring for vulnerable or elderly individuals should also be more vigilant.

It’s better to err on the side of caution and treat any symptom as a risk to this group.

If you are still going out to work, speak to your employer about this potential Covid-19 symptom. Ideally, they will allow you to stay at home for 14 days.

Q

I have a terrible toothache, but my dentist is closed because of the coronavirus. What can I do?

A

Dentists can only work safely with full personal protective equipment – PPE, which includes close-fitting masks and visors to protect the eyes, and overalls – as close contact with patients’ mouths means they are at high risk from catching the infection.

It seems there have been problems in getting enough

PPE even to hospital staff.

And because of the shortage, doctors in many specialities, such as ear, nose and throat (ENT), and also dentists, have been unable to carry on seeing patients.

The HSE says airborne spread of Covid-19 is a concern in the context of certain dental procedures that generate aerosols from the oral cavity. If it is necessary to perform dental procedures on patients with suspected or confirmed Covid19, this is accepted as a significant risk.

Some common dental aerosol generating procedures use high-speed hand-pieces, mechanised descalers, high pressure 3-in-1 syringes and airdriven surgical hand pieces.

Your GP will be able to prescribe medication if required to ease the pain.

Q

I am self-isolating with my husband, who is ill with Covid-19 symptoms. We’ve called the HSE, and don’t want to bother it unnecessarily

– but when should I ask for help again?

A

The common symptoms of Covid-19 are a fever and cough but also exhaustion, aches and pains and maybe even nausea or diarrhoea.

These symptoms can last for 10 to 14 days in some cases.

Drinking plenty of fluids is important, as it’s easy to become dehydrated and that in itself can lead to worsening problems.

The crucial warning symptom is breathlessness. Any shortness of breath, tightness or difficulty breathing is your alarm bell to call for help.

Be sure to call your GP if you notice these symptoms.

Breathing difficulties could be the sign of severe illness, including pneumonia.

This can happen at any stage of the illness.