#13 Coronavirus, What I Would Do? – From a Medical Professional
March 4, 2020
BLOG # 13 CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Dr. Spiker Davis D.D.S. 713-781-2800 W/ Dr. John Seger M.D. Cardiologist 713-791-9444
The current projections for expansion of the Coronavirus in the United States are only probable due to continued insufficient worldwide data. It is most likely to be widespread in the US by mid to late March or into April. Based on recommendations from physician patients, friends and medical/dental societies here is what they all recommend. These are the same precautions currently in use during our flu seasons.
1) NO HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
2) Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc. Lift the gasoline pump dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.
3) Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and commercial doors.
4) Use disinfectant wipes at the stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery carts. Carry them with you.
5) Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been. Wash, Wash and more washing of hands.
6) Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home’s entrances. AND in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can’t immediately wash your hands.
7) If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you must. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!
What to stock in preparation of the pandemic spread to the US:
1) Latex or nitrile latex disposable gloves for use when going shopping, using the gasoline pump, and all other outside activity when you come in contact with contaminated areas such as doorknobs, grocery carts etc.
Note: This virus is spread in large droplets by coughing and sneezing. This means that the air will not infect you! BUT all the surfaces where these droplets land are infectious for about a week on average – everything that is associated with infected people will be contaminated and potentially infectious. The virus is on surfaces and you will not be infected unless your unprotected face is directly coughed or sneezed upon or you touch the contaminated surface and then touch your face or mouth. This virus only has cell receptors for lung cells (it only infects your lungs). The only way for the virus to infect you is through your nose or mouth via your hands or an infected cough or sneeze onto or into your nose or mouth. Don’t KISS sick people.
2) Stock up now with disposable surgical masksand use them to prevent you from touching your nose and/or mouth (We touch our nose/mouth about 100X/day without knowing it!). This is the only way this virus can infect you – it is lung-specific. The mask will not prevent the virus in a direct sneeze from getting into your nose or mouth – it is only to keep you from touching your nose or mouth.
3) Stock up now with hand sanitizers and latex/nitrile gloves (get the appropriate sizes for your family). The hand sanitizers must be alcohol-based and greater than 60% alcohol to be effective. Lysol Flu is effective to wipe down counters, surfaces and spray doorknobs etc.
4) Stock up now with zinc lozenges. These lozenges have been proven to be effective in blocking coronavirus (and most other viruses) from multiplying in your throat and nasopharynx. Use as directed several times each day when you begin to feel ANY “cold-like” symptoms beginning. It is best to lie down and let the lozenge dissolve in the back of your throat and nasopharynx. Cold-Eze lozenges is one brand available, but there are other brands to choose from.
5. If you get symptoms-the main symptoms are a cough, fever and some aches and pains (typical flu like symptoms) call your primary care provider immediately. They can direct you on what to do or what not to do. Do not leave the house without their instructions. Don’t just show up at a clinic without first calling and answer their questions. They will guide you as to what to do and where to go. If you are sick sleep alone in another bedroom and avoid family contact best you can.
6. Don’t chew your fingernails. In fact, cut them short.
7. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated so your skin and mucous membranes don’t dry out.
8. Avoid contact with people you know have gone to the foreign countries like China.
9. Eat well and avoid SUGAR. Sugar can weaken your immune system. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Take your vitamins especially Vitamin C. Daily, soak your toothbrush in Listerine.
SUMMARY-In my opinion, the Coronavirus could turn out to be serious or not much at all. Wash your hands frequently and don’t come in contact with anyone that has been to Asia in the last month. Don’t kiss them either as the “MOUTH IS THE WINDOW TO YOUR HEALTH”.
If you have symptoms, call your primary care physician immediately. BRUSH AND FLOSS TWICE DAILY, AVOID SUGAR FOR 2020 AND SEE YOUR DENTIST AND PHYSICIAN ON A REGULAR BASIS.
