Covid-19 UPDATES
Dear Member,
We are hopeful with the recent reported numbers that a plateau may have hit in New York City and the surrounding areas. However, the cases of COVID and deaths from the illness will unfortunately continue. The strain on our healthcare system and public will remain for months to come. We remind you to continue to remain vigilant. In order for us to maintain a plateau everyone must practice strict quarantining and social distancing. This can not change.
These practices are essential for the safety of everyone.
When can we venture out again? We feel widespread serology (blood) testing is needed see if individuals are immune (have antibodies) or not to COVID-19. The level of immunity also needs to be deemed suitable to prevent infection or reinfection. In addition, rapid testing for diagnosing COVID-19 needs widespread distribution so people can quickly be tested and quarantined to prevent further spread. The New York State Department of Health has also discussed these guidelines. Currently we are all waiting for availability of these tests. Until then quarantine.
So what about testing for antibodies? Many of you have contacted us via phone and email regarding reports of friends or colleagues having various testing related to COVID-19.
The media also has been discussing antibody testing and availability. We have done exhaustive research regarding testing options. Currently there is no FDA approved antibody testing that is available in a large- scale capacity. There are some claims of testing available via the internet. These tests are not accurate. It is extremely important for the antibody testing to have a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. This ensures the most accurate results. This is essential to keeping everyone safe. We are waiting for the proper and approved testing to come to fruition. We do know they are working hard and fast on this. We will let you know as soon as we do.
Rapid in-office testing: Rapid in office testing is not yet available to diagnose COVID-19 on a large scale. We will notify you also once available.
Blood type: We also have been fielding multiple requests for patients inquiring about their blood types. This is based on a small study in China stating they noticed that patients with blood type A fared worse. We have not seen anything recently regarding if that risk does indeed occur or not. Regardless, blood type is not a usual blood test and we most likely would not have that information on hand. Despite this claim, we do not feel you are at an increased risk if you happen to be blood type A.
Tylenol dosing: As mentioned in our previous email Tylenol is the preferred antipyretic and pain remedy instead of motrin/advil, etc. However, we want to remind you that Tylenol is not a benign medication and for adults, you can NOT TAKE more than 3000 mg per day of tylenol. As well, be mindful that a lot of cough and cold remedies have Tylenol (acetaminophen) in them. Count that in your daily maximum dose as well. For children and infants, please contact us for dosing if more than once per day prior to use.
Breathing exercises if have COVID-19: There have been a lot of data to recommend deep breathing exercises and lying prone (on your belly) when you have respiratory symptoms from COVID-19. Here is the link for those of you who are wondering how to do it:
Seasonality: A new study with preliminary analysis by the US National Academy of Sciences suggests the COVID-19 is not seasonal. This means it won’t wane as the warmer weather starts similar to the flu. Although preliminary, continue to quarantine and stay vigilant for now.
Masks when outside: Since our last letter, masks are encouraged to be worn outside for all. Limit your time outside for quick exercise or infrequent but necessary grocery/pharmacy runs. The mask you are wearing is to protect OTHERS from you. It provides minimal protection for you. Home-made masks will do. Even if you feel well you can be transmitting the virus to others while having no symptoms. N95 masks and glasses, protect you from others. However, we are asking you not to purchase N95 masks to save these for our front line workers.
For those who are making your own masks we have this guide above.
Important to note:
When taking off the mask, only touch the straps on your head, not the front that is potentially contaminated and if you can, throw it directly into the wash.
Thank you again! Various PPE has sent to us over these past few weeks. We have been able to send out boxes and boxes to various New York City hospitals and front-line workers. We are in deep gratitude for your generosity. You have literally saved lives by staying home and by these contributions.
We know that it is unlike any other year for those celebrating holidays this week. However, we hope you are able to virtually connect with others. Please take solace in knowing that by staying home and not getting together, you are saving lives.
We would like to wish you and yours a very healthy and meaningful holiday.
Stay Home and Stay Well!
Flatiron Family Medical