Patient FAQs For COVID-19

COVID-19 Symptoms

What symptoms should I be looking for?

• Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
• Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or at least two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell

COVID-19 Transmission

How does it spread?

• Person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

Can someone still spread it after being quarantined?

• For COVID-19, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure because the incubation period for this virus is 2 to 14 days. Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.

Is COVID-19 able to be transmitted on food (take out, groceries, etc…)?

• Unlikely but not certain. Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Remember to wash your hands!

Will warm weather kill COVID-19?

• Uncertain, still needs further investigation.

What about animals / pets?

• Right now, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading COVID-19. But, always practice healthy habits around pets and other animals since they can carry other diseases.

Higher Risk Population

Who is most at risk?

• Currently, elderly individuals (above 65) and anyone living with serious underlying medical conditions is at risk. This includes: immunocompromised, severe obesity, diabetes and chronic lung, heart, kidney and liver diseases.

Medication/Treatment Myths/Clarification

Is Remdesivir a cure?

• Remdesivir is the first and only existing treatment for COVID-19 which has been approved by the FDA. It disrupts viral replication and prevents the drug from making copies of itself. However, it is not a cure or vaccine! It may reduce the severity of the pandemic but will not cure it. Source.

Should I take hydroxychloroquine?

• No, hydroxychloroquine is not recommended treatment. Source.

Will NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen) make COVID-19 worse?

• No, according to the CDC, there is no compelling evidence that this is the case.

Testing positive for COVID-19

How long should I isolate for?

• Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 should stay home until the following criteria are met:
  • At least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery, defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever reducing medications
  • Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath)
  • At least seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

If I have antibodies, am I protected against reinfection?

• It is unclear whether people who test positive for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes COVID-19—will be immune if they are exposed to the virus again in the future. More study is needed.

Miscellaneous

What are some best practices for preventing COVID-19?

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds for general food safety.
• Wipe down and disinfect all surfaces and refrain from touching your nose and mouth (including mail, packages, and takeout food)

Can patients have visitors?

• Yes, visiting hours are 10am to 6pm. As of May 26th, each patient will be allowed one visitor at a time for 4 hours per day. Visitors must be at least 18 years old, must be screened for symptoms and exposure of COVID-19, and will be provided face coverings and appropriate PPE

Should you avoid wearing contact lenses?

• No need to avoid. Currently there is no evidence to suggest higher risk but should make sure to follow safe practices and refrain from touching their eyes with dirty hands.