Why does high blood pressure put me at higher risk?
This is part of The Morning Call’s initiative called “Your Call,” which allows you, the readers, to ask the questions you want answered. Have your own question? Ask us at mcall.com/yourcall.
We are answering your questions throughout the coronavirus crisis. For some of the more specific health and medical questions we’ve received, we’ve sought an expert opinion from Vicky Kistler, director of the Allentown Health Bureau. Below are Kistler’s answers to recent questions.
Can droplet/aerosols from a neighbor’s coughs or sneeze in their apartment invade my apartment through my closed windows and doors, which have small holes and gaps?
No. The virus is mainly spread through close contacts with people, who spread the virus from person to person. Closed windows and doors, like masks, serve as barriers.
I am going to my daughter’s for one night, when I come back home, do I have to self-quarantine?
It all depends on the risks your daughter may have taken or who else may be there. If your daughter has socially distanced and worn a mask around others and you have too, your risks are minimal. If your daughter has been with others without a mask or has had prolonged contact with others, contacted or cared for someone who is ill, is ill herself or someone in her house is, it would be best for you to self-quarantine. Also, if depends on where your daughter lives. If the virus is widely circulating where she lives and you do not use masking and social distancing, it may be best to selfquarantine upon your return.
Why does high blood pressure that is under control put one at greater risk for complications for COVID-19, or is it just high blood pressure that is not under control that increases the risk?
It is believed that many with high blood pressure may also have weakened immune systems or other comorbidities like obesity or cardiac conditions. These conditions often make the complications of COVID-19 more severe and recovery more complicated. Also, COVID infection can damage the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk for complications or death to those with high blood pressure and heart disease. High blood pressure weakens arteries and your heart has to pump harder to pump enough blood. A weaker heart has a harder time fighting the virus.
I was hospitalized for the virus and released in early April. My doctor has given me a clean bill of health. Can I spread the virus?
There is evidence that a small number of people have gotten infected with COVID-19 more than once. Although infected persons develop antibodies, it is still too soon to know how long those antibodies last and how much protection they actually provide if you are exposed again. It’s for that reason that folks who have tested positive and recovered are encouraged to still mask. Not only do we not know all the details about the antibodies, we still don’t know all of the facts about the test or how long a person can actively shed the virus. It is assumed most will no longer spread the virus after 10 days and three days fever free without medication; it is still too early to tell if that is 100% true in all cases.