Making social choices during the coronavirus pandemic
Here are answers to some commonly-asked questions about making social choices during the coronavirus pandemic:
Outdoors is the preference. We know the virus spreads most frequently when a person breathes in droplets emitted by an infected person through coughing, sneezing, talking or breathing.
Being outside decreases the risk of infection because air currents are more likely to scatter and dilute the virus, according to the Harvard Health Coronavirus Resource Center. Transmission of the virus is more likely in a confined space, like a home or office, that has limited air circulation.
Still, being outdoors does not eliminate the risk of infection. Harvard Health officials stress the importance of wearing a mask and staying at least 6 feet away from each other.
It’s important to remember the virus can spread when you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth. To mitigate exposure during an outdoor gathering, bring your own foods, drinks, plates and utensils, Harvard Health suggests.
Scientists and researchers are continuing to unravel data on how COVID-19 spreads. With that being said, the past provides some guidance in this area.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is more genetically related to SARS-CoV than MERS-CoV, two previous coronaviruses that have affected people. Those viruses have shown a poor survival on surfaces, according to the CDC.
As a result, the CDC says there is “likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures” due to COVID-19.
There is no evidence of the virus being transmitted from imported goods and there have not been any reported cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. associated with such goods.
The World Health Organization offers a similar explanation, saying “the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.”
Additionally, the time that imported goods spend in shipment also is a factor.
The chances of getting a false negative (indicating that you are not infected when really you are) from a nasal/throat swab test and saliva test depend on when you receive it during the course of your infection, according to Harvard Health.
The nasal/throat swab tests and saliva tests both detect the virus itself. You will get a false negative test result (according to Harvard Health):
■ 100% of the time on the day of exposure. (Because so few viral particles are present in your nose or saliva immediately after infection, the test cannot detect them.)
■ About 40% of the time if you are tested four days after exposure.
■ About 20% of the time if you develop symptoms and are tested three days after those symptoms started.
For a person who has exhibited symptoms that could be caused by COVID-19 or has been exposed to an infected person, it’s important to isolate even if they test negative because of the possibility of a false negative, according to Harvard Health.
Libby Richards, an associate professor at the Purdue University School of Nursing who teaches courses on population health, recommends putting off routine dental work or an annual visit a little longer. If you want to keep an appointment, one way to gauge the risk of exposure is to look at the data in your community. Richards also suggests contacting your provider to discuss a solution.
“I think teeth cleanings can wait a bit longer,” Richards said. “Personally, I just re-scheduled my teeth cleaning until September. As states starts opening back up, we will see increases in coronavirus cases. When making a decision to visit a healthcare provider, consider the number of COVID-19 cases in your community. If you are still not sure what to do and have a specific need for routine teeth cleanings (due to a history of gum disease, heart disease, or dental problems), it is OK to call your dentist to help make a decision.”
If you go, be prepared for some changes.
As the Sentinel’s Naseem Miller reports, medical practices across Central Florida have been implementing a variety of infection-control practices at their offices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Miller reports that most are now screening patients via phone before scheduling office visits. They’re asking patients to check in by phone and wait in their cars for their appointment. Many are placing plexiglass guards at the reception desks and are asking patients to wear masks. Some are taking patient temperatures and limiting the number of individuals who can accompany patients.
Richards also recommends calling your provider to see if they will refill medications for a few weeks or months at a time pandemic passes.
As far as routine immunizations for children, Richards recommends those “absolutely” be done, if possible. Obviously, safety remains important. Harvard Health’s Coronavirus Resource Center recommends calling your doctor’s office to ask what precautions are in place to keep children safe. Because of the reach of the virus, it’s important to talk about your particular situation, especially if you have been or might have been exposed to the virus. until the