READER Q&A You have questions, we have answers
As Tennesseans adjust to working from home, pets face new circumstances
We asked our readers for their questions about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact in Tennessee, and we got hundreds of them.
We’ve tried to answer as many as possible in our daily coverage — whether they’re about coronavirus symptoms, testing or the full impact of “safer at home” orders — but a complex and evolving story like this keeps generating more.
So we wanted to create a space where we could address some more of your questions. Have more? Email jchristo@gannett.com and include the subject line “Coping question.”
Question: The last warm couple days we had, believe I saw a couple mosquitoes. Will mosquitoes spread COVID-19? Karen S., Huntingdon
Answer: There is no evidence at all, and no reason to believe based on past experience, that mosquitoes can spread the new coronavirus. This virus is spread between people through respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.
You’ll probably feel better if you read the World Health Organization’s great myth busters page via www.who.int, and get up to speed on the CDC’S guidelines for staying safe.
Q: Can you catch the virus more than once? Linda L., Crossville
A: No one knows for sure, Linda. Most people think there will be some level of immunity, but the virus — like all viruses — will mutate slightly over time. Those slight mutations could mean people could get ill from it again, although it could also mean the illness is not as severe.
University of Tennessee Knoxville nursing professor Roberta Lavin told us she has heard reports of people who thought they were getting better but got worse again.
But she has not heard reports of people getting COVID-19 twice.
The virus is new, and scientists haven’t had long enough to find a good answer.
Q: Does it kill the virus to wash fresh fruit and vegetables with a mixture of water and vinegar? Caroline M., Memphis
A: Vinegar or alcoholic spirits cannot kill the coronavirus (rubbing alcohol that is at least 70% alcohol can, but don’t use it on food), so don’t rely on them as cleaning products.
However, when it comes to food, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says there is no evidence of the virus being passed on through food and it recommends taking the same steps for cleaning produce as usual.
That includes rinsing all produce under running water and using a vegetable brush to scrub any firm fruits and veggies, even if it’s something you’re going to peel later. Clean produce that comes in plastic packaging, too, like prebagged salad. Make sure to clean your sink regularly, especially if you’re going to fill it up to soak things like lettuce.
We often don’t think about it, but sinks can be some of the dirtiest places in the kitchen.